SDA appeals ECI, CEO to re-fix polling date
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 18 2022:
Manipur Conference of Seventh-day Adventist has urged ECI to reschedule the date for the second phase of polling to any other day as it falls on Saturday, the day of Sabbath.
It also urged Manipur CEO to review the date of polling and take up 'necessary initiative' on the matter.
In a representation addressed to Election Commission of India (ECI) Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, Manipur Conference of SDA president pastor Kashiprii Archete and executive secretary pastor Lungai-chungpou Gonmei stated that the Christians of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church are aggrieved that March 5, the day for the second phase of polling for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly falls on the day of Sabbath.
"The esteemed Commission changed the earlier date Thursday (March 3) to Saturday (March 5) with notification to this effect," noted said, adding that the rescheduling the date of polling for second phase will affect freedom of religion and secularism in the country.
Saturday Sabbath Keepers, besides SDA namely Jehovah Witness, Church of God, Bene Yasrael, Seventh Day Baptist Church, Judaism and Assembly of Yaweh are equally victimised by the 'spell to violate' Christian doctrinal law, it said.
Moreover, Manipur Conference of SDA also called upon Manipur CEO to review the polling date saying it tantamount to denying the Saturday Sabbath Keepers their rights to cast votes, the fundamental duty of exercising the Adult Franchise.