Ills of electoral practices in State discussed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2014 : A symposium, organised by Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur (SCS) at Manipur Press Club, deliberated on the present electoral system of Manipur at length.

Organised in association with People's Campaign for a Resurgent Manipur, the topic of the symposium was 'Free and fair election for a meaningful democracy' .

Speaking at the symposium, Prof Sadananda opined that money and power play important role in the present electoral system of Manipur.

It has gradually become impossible to get elected in an election if the candidate is not wealthy.

Saying that most of the candidates are crorepatis, Sadananda said that chances for win by social workers, who are not wealthy, have so become remote these days.

Expressing concern over losing the essence of democracy in the current scenario, Sadanada said that it is unfortunate to give vote to the candidates, who are wealthy but lack in human integrity.

It seems that those candidates, who think for the welfare of the people, are not likely to win any election until the electors change the current mindset of taking money at the time of election.

SCS Vice-President RV Minthing said that it is high time to rectify the current trend, especially among youth.

He also suggested the senior citizens to put in serious effort to make Manipur the best State in the North East region by producing good leaders from among the youth and inculcating the sense of oneness.

Maintaining that the number of representatives from Manipur in the Parliament is too less, RV Minthing said that the number of seats could be increased upto six.

Manipur State Commission for Women former Chairperson Dr Jamini Devi said that the rate of participation of women in politics and decision making process is not satisfactory.

She pointed out that very few women have turned up to contest elections.

Dr Jamini also expressed her desire to increase the number of elected representatives in the State Assembly.

The symposium was chaired by former Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof IS Khaidem.

People's Campaign for a Resurgent Manipur Convenor Dr B Deven spoke on the topic, 'The crisis in the present electoral practices in India' while All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) President Khaidem Mani presented his views on the topic, 'Ensuring free and fair election in India' .

Imphal Times Editor Rinku Khumukcham and CERI Chief Functionary MC Rai spoke on the topics, 'Role of media in ensuring free and fair election' and 'Need for a better electoral system in India' respectively.

Volume II of SCS's newsletter, 'The Voice of the Senior Citizens' was also released at the symposium sponsored by the senior most member of SCS, Thokchom Pakchao (94 years) .

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