National Voters' Day
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: January 25, 2012 -
The dates for National Voters' Day and the polling for the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections are almost coinciding with just two days separating them.
The nation is observing the National Voters' Day tomorrow (January 25) when the State is high in excitement and anticipation as Manipur is going to polls on January 28 to elect a set of legislators.
The National Voters' Day would be celebrated at BOAT and, in a symbolic presentation, 10 youths who have attained 18 years of age and who would be exercising adult franchise for the first time would be given their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs).
The implicit message of this symbolic presentation is that any one who has attained 18 years of age can choose and vote for candidates whom they consider would best serve the public.
In other words, the youths would be certified to take part in the law-making process and administration of the State, though indirectly.
The underlying message for celebrating National Voters' Day is more or less the same.
The basic objective of celebrating National Voters' Day is maximum participation of electorates in elections and most judicious and prudent exercise of the right to vote.
In a democratic set-up, rights of citizen or voter are enormous as well as crucial.
It is the MLAs and MPs elected by people who would take the seats of political power and govern the nation.
It is our elected representatives who would make laws to govern the nation and frame policies and programmes for development and welfare of the public.
Though electorates are not directly involved in the functioning of the elected MLAs and MPs, whatever course of action and decision taken by them is closely related with voters and their lives.
It is for this same reason that National Voters' Day is observed all over the country.
Another objective is to spread awareness among the mass about the finer points of adult franchise and its pervading power in setting up and running a popular Government.
The timing cannot be more perfect.
The National Voters' Day would be observed when the Election Commission of India has formulated several rules and regulations and the same are being enforced stringently with an eye to ensure that the election model code of conduct is not violated by anyone in Manipur.
Had the National Voters' Day been observed during elections held in the past, it would not have commanded the same degree of significance as it commands today.
One simple reason is, the ugly facets of previous elections would have certainly reflected in National Voters' Day observance.
This does not mean that no ugly shades of election practices would find its place in tomorrow's observance.
What we mean is that the ugly election practices have diminished considerably.
Even as the ugly election practices have diminished considerably, banquets are being hosted at different localities in the pretext of one event or another in such a manner where the Election Commission is left floundering, unable to do anything.
Like in the past, articles including blankets are being distributed, fishes or money for buying fishes are being offered.
In the meantime, supporters of rival candidates have been fighting and confronting each other.
There has been no respite in firing attacks and abduction of political workers by supporters of rival candidates or by mercenaries.
There were reports about seizure of money when they were being transferred or carried around for election purposes.
Seen from another perspective, all these unwanted activities are carried out by voters.
Amidst such unlawful and unwanted activities, it would be hard to instill noble ideas in the young voters who would be exercising their adult franchise for the first time for they are witness to innumerable unhealthy precedents, all carried out by their seniors.
Nonetheless, if it can be demonstrated that all these are bad and entail punishment, the young minds could be moulded towards the right path.
Along with celebrating National Voters' Day, it is imperative for the Election Commission of India and other relevant agencies to take up all necessary measures so as to make voters more knowledgeable and understand the real essence and functions of democracy and its operational pattern.
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