Clarion call to young Naga voters to be messengers of Clean Election

February 12, 2023 34 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 12

“If you don’t go out and play in the field, you don’t have the right to sit in the balcony and comment,” stated Shanavas C, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, giving a clarion call to young Naga voters to be messengers of clean election.

Speaking at the orientation workshop on the Systemic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) on February 11 held at Eastgate Hotel, Midlane Kohima, the Kohima DC stated that malpractices in elections such as giving cash and freebies to electorates, holding feasts etc have been normalised in Nagaland that “we are forgetting to identify the cascading effect of elections.”

The workshop was organised by the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Field Office Kohima, where V Shashank Shekhar, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland graced the workshop as the chief guest and Shanavas C, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima as the guest of honour. The resource person for the workshop was Kikumsungla Jamir, NCS, Deputy Secretary and OSD to the office of the CEO Nagaland.

While change might not be immediate, Kohima DC encouraged the youth to stop the vicious cycle and stand for a free and fair election which will ultimately impact the younger generation. Comparing to previous elections, Shanavas mentioned that there positive changes in the 2023 Nagaland elections with more villages coming forward to stand for a free and fair elections.

In his speech, Shanavas also acknowledged The Morung Express’ commitment to refrain from publishing any news or advertisement that contravenes Clean Election in Nagaland and the universal principle of ‘One Person One Vote.’ He also hoped that more media houses will come forward to stand for clean election.

P Sophie, IIS, stated that the objective of the workshop is to provide capacity building of the Private Registered Troupes (PRTs) in Nagaland and Manipur to carry the message of SVEEP in identified areas of the State.

“The workshop aims to train and equip the PRTs on election process, creating voter awareness and effective communication during the SVEEP Campaign with special focus on information, motivation and facilitation. The PRTs will then carry out the campaign at various locations in innovative ways where they will mobilize and communicate with the audience through songs, dramas, dances and martial arts skill display etc.,” stated Sophie.

To achieve free and fair elections, Sophie pointed, young voters need to be given the necessary orientation and facilitation to understand their new role and get engaged with the electoral registration and further participation. “This is where SVEEP has emerged as a phenomenon in the arena of providing voter literacy. Today’s workshop is one such initiative as we partner with the CEO Nagaland, our objective is to enhance qualitative participation during this Assembly Election,” added Sophie.

Stressing on the need to focus on free and fair elections, Nagaland CEO, V Shashank Shekhar stated that Naga society need to utilize the energy of the youth to prevent malpractices in election. “We need to mobilize the youth so that they don’t take part in unfair elections,” said Shekhar while also challenging the participants to suggest ways to motivate voters to practise fair elections. “How best do we motivate our voters? Our society, we know best, what appeals to our people. I encourage the youth to share their ideas,” said Shekhar.

Resource person Kikumsungla Jamir, NCS spoke on the objectives of SVEEP and its strategic framework. Focusing on the framework for voter registration and participation- Information, Motivation and Facilitation (IMF) and Education, Engagement and Empowerment (EEE), Jamir added that the expanded framework is integrated into the key strategies, campaigns, media, messages, social mobilization activities, interpersonal communication and action on ground during SVEEP.

Voter participation in the electoral process is integral to the success of any democracy and the very basis of wholesome democratic elections, added Jamir.

The workshop was attended by college students and members of the PRTs from Kohima and Imphal.