MAYOL condemns poll disruptions, calls for accountability
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 20 2024:
Terming the disruptions witnessed during the polling process of the 18 th Lok Sabha elections in the state as uncivilized, Manipur Youth League (MAYOL) has appealed to all parties concerned to refrain from repeating such actions in the future.
Widespread incidents including firing, attempts to capture booths, vandalizing of EVMs, and assaults on individuals were witnessed during the polling process on Friday.
Addressing the media at its Lamphel office, here, on Saturday, MAYOL president Asem Prince expressed concern over mass proxy voting that took place during Friday's Lok Sabha polls.
While condemning the incident in the strongest terms, he said that the incident will remain as a dark blot in the history of Manipur.
He also emphasized that use of force and violation of people's voting rights, which are not characteristics of a civilized society, were prominently visible during Friday's Lok Sabha election.
This incident also serves as a clear indication of the current malaise afflicting our society.
The citizens of the state should view such incidents with gravity and take measures to ensure they do not happen again.
Asem Prince mentioned that MAYOL had been organizing poster campaigns and large-scale awareness programme leading up to the Lok Sabha polls with the aim to prevent any untoward incidents during the elections and usher in a new era in the electoral process.
However, events unfolded differently, which is deeply regrettable.
It is crucial for the people to confront such actions decisively , or else the Manipuri society risks disappearing in the near future.
While appealing to all to play their part in establishing good governance in the state, he called on those responsible for the regrettable incidents that took place during Friday 's election to provide explanations.
It is imperative that no such incidents occur during the upcoming second phase of polls scheduled for April 26, ensuring that people have the freedom to exercise their voting rights and elect candidate of their choice, he added.