19 Maram VAs nullify Maram Union election
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, October 04 2021:
The election of executives of Maram Union under Senapati district, which was held on September 30 last, has been declared as null and void by 19 different Maram village authorities.
This development came as the 19 village authorities issued their statement against the process of the election that was held on September 30 last.
According to a press statement jointly issued by the 19 village authorities, the Election Commission of Maram Union had not issued nomination papers nor allowed filing of nomination papers.
Consequently, there was neither scrutiny of the nomination papers nor withdrawal of the nominations.
As such, the conduct of the election was null and void.
Moreover, the General Body Meeting called by interim Speaker on September 30 wherein the Chief Election Commissioner declared names of some office bearers proposed by a group of elders as selected and dissolution for of the house by the speaker immediately were unacceptable.
As the election of Maram Union was not conducted, the office bearers declared as elected by the Chief Election Commissioner are null and void.
In pursuance of the 5th Federal Assembly of Maram Union, dated the 17th August, 2021, the Election Commission had reportedly issued election notification on September 3 last, directing all the constituent Units/Villages and intending candidates that the election of executives of Maram Union would be held on September 14, 2021 for the tenure 2021-2024.Subsequently, issuing of nomination form was scheduled for 7th September, 2021 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
As per the Election Commission notice, intending candidates have to be recommended by village Chairman/Headman concerned.
However, few vested interest individuals dictated the Election Commission unconstitutionally and forcefully debarred from issuing the nomination papers.
The list of village authorities which appended their signatures on the joint press statement include Khongnem, Willong Khunou, Willong Khullen, Pumdumlong, Sangkunglung, Maram Centre, New Maram, Kagongmei, Katomei, Maram Khullen Mathak Sagai, New Magaimai, Maram Khullen Khullakpa Sagai, Maram Ramlung, Kamalong, Taklung, Ngatan Tamei, Khaba Duikung, Maram Makha Sagai and Taphou Naga.