Walkathon held to endorse participative elections ahead of assembly polls in Nagaland

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 9 (EMN): In Nagaland, the voting percentage is “very high” in rural areas but “very low” in towns and urban areas during election, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kohima, Shanavas C on Wednesday, stressing on the need for participative polls.

He said this in his introductory remarks during a walkathon organised on the theme ‘A Step for Participative Elections’ from Sokriezie Park near PHQ junction to Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kohima.

The walkathon was held months ahead of the state Assembly elections due in the first quarter of next year, and also coincided with the special summary revision of electoral rolls, which will be published throughout the state.

The DC also called for efforts to ensure clean electoral roll (e-roll), which includes enrolment of all eligible citizens and deletion, if needed.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar, informed that the draft publication and summary revision of electoral roll with claims and objections will take place over the next one month.

Terming the participants as ambassadors for dissemination of message among the people, he said the walkathon was also held to emphasise good health. He further assured to continue other activities that will help conduct free and fair elections while seeking views and support to contribute towards that process.

Meanwhile, R Mhathung, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, said that the walkathon was part of the Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Practices (SVEEP) while soliciting the people’s support for free and fair election in the 2023 Assembly election.

Department officials, NGOs, and representatives of colonies and wards also took part in the culmination programme and vote of thanks delivered by Sharon Longchar, Jt. CEO, Nagaland, at DC Office complex.