Importance of voters stressed on National Voters' Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 25 2015: As in other parts of the country the 5th National Voters' Day was celebrated at different parts of the State today.

In a State-level function organised by the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur at GM hall, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and Commissioner of State Election Commission, Y Rameshchandra were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

In his keynote address, Chief Electoral Officer O Nabakishore said that Election Commission of India is an important Constitutional body which conducts Parliamentary and State Assembly elections.

It is a must to get enrolled in voters' list to cast vote in these elections, he added.

Saying that National Voters' day is observed to strengthen democracy in the country, O Nabakishore said that all the youth who have attained 18 years must be enrolled in voters' list.

The Chief Secretary giving a voter ID card to a young voter

Apart from distribution of voter's identity cards to newly enrolled electors, prizes for the State level essay and quiz competitions were also given away at the function.

Speaking at the occasion, PC Lawmkunga said that celebration of National Voters' Day is significant in a democratic country like India.

Saying that every citizen who has attained 18 years of age has the right to elect his/her leader in an election, PC Lawmkunga said that a Government is elected by its citizens in a democracy.

Speaking on the importance of voters' identity cards, the Chief Secretary urged the people to keep these cards with them wherever they go.

In his speech, Y Rameshchandra urged the general public to provide the right information at the time of enrolling themselves in the electoral roll.

National Voters' Day was also celebrated at DC office complex, Bishnupur with DC Bobby Waikhom as the chief guest.

Apart from distribution of voter's identity cards to newly enrolled voters, prizes for the quiz competition held on January 21 were also given away at the function.

Nambol SDO N Ramananda, Moirang SDO N Bunty and Bishnupur SDO L Radhakanta also attended the function.

In Imphal East district, the day was celebrated at Porompat DC office complex with DC M Joy as the chief guest.

Imphal East ADM Somorjit Salam, Porompat SDO Laishram Delina, Keirao Bitra SDO N Bandana and Sawombung SDO Bidyarani Ayekpam also attended the function, in which voter identity cards were distributed to around 60 voters.

Meanwhile National Voters' Day observed since January 21 concluded today at the Lamphel district administration campus here today.

Imphal West DEO/DC K Radhakumar, Imphal West AC to DC (Election) L Sumer and Imphal West ADM Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam attended the valedictory function as presidium members.

The valedictory function was marked by distribution of citations and cash prizes to winners and participants of a quiz competition held as a part of the National Voters' Day observance.

Speaking at the gathering, K Radhakumar said that formal education is not enough for success in one's life.

National Voters' Day is being observed on January 25 taking the date on which the Election Commission of India was set up.

So far, the National Voters' Day has been observed five times.

Young voters who have been voting in favour of candidates who offer them maximum amount of money have been committing a grave blunder wittingly or unwittingly, said the DEO.

All these youngsters who have been voting for the first time need to be guided on the right path.

The gathering pledged collectively saying, "We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic traditions of our peaceful elections, and to vote in every election fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement" .