Day of reckoning
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: April 09, 2014 -

preparation for poll :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

With the day for polling to the reserved Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency finally arrived, the fate of the 10 candidates in the fray would now be decided by 9,11,699 voters which include 4,63,068 female and 4,48,631 male voters who would exercise their adult franchise in 1,406 polling stations to be spread across 28 assembly constituencies in the five hill districts and some assembly segments of Thoubal and Imphal East districts on April 9.

Although verdict of the voters on the 10 candidates in the fray namely, sitting MP Thangso Baite of Indian National Congress (INC), Prof Gangmumei Kamei of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kim Gangte of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC),Chungkhokai Doungel of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP); Soso Lorho of Naga People’s Front (NPF); Lamminlien Gangte of JD-U, Khamchinpau Gangte of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and three Independent candidates - Mani Charenamei, Amarson Sankhil and Lamlalmoi alias Momoi Gangte - would be known only when the results of the election were announced on May 16, the day of polling is, nonetheless, an important day of reckoning not just for the candidates in the fray, but also for every voter, who has been given the Constitutional right to choose their own representative.

And, this rare opportunity is not to be wasted as it would have a direct bearing on the welfare and future of the country, at least for the next 5 years.

Despite all the unwanted noises generated in the run up to any election and the never ending drama of trading charges among the political parties with their holier-than-thou attitude, thus, giving the impression of an exercise in futility, the importance of election in a democratic country could never been undermined.

The democratic process of holding an election is not for just electing the representatives who would govern and frame programmes and policies on behalf of the people.

More than the electoral rights of the people to elect their own representatives or decide the fate of the contesting candidates in the fray, it is a precious opportunity given to every eligible citizen of the country to decide their own fate, their own society, their own State and the nation at large.

So, before putting their seal of approval on the ballot papers or pressing any of the buttons on the electronic machine machines (EVMs), it is important for each and every voter to know whom they going to vote for and surrender their electoral rights.

Any lapse on the part of the voters in choosing the right and competent candidates is going to cost dearly not just to themselves but also to the well-being of the country.

Like crying over spilled milk, it would be of no to curse our lot or criticise our elected representatives if they failed to live up to our expectations after the election.

Let us think over this seriously when the day of reckoning is here today.