The Signature Campaign on Clean Election, Informed and Ethical Voting was held at District Planning and Development Board hall, Kohima with public leaders and Kohima Systematic Voters Electoral and Education Participation (SVEEP) icon Esther Natso on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Kohima DC and DEO Rajesh Soundararajan said ethical voting is a collective responsibility for free and peaceful election in the ensuing general election in Nagaland. He urged the gaonburhas and public leaders to spread the message in their respective wards, colonies and villages so as to bring about changes in the electoral process.
The DEO also sought their support and cooperation for successful and peaceful conduct of election.
SVEEP icon Esther maintained the Election Department in collaboration with Government departments, media and NGOs over the years has been actively campaigning to achieve the goal in increasing electoral participation through registration and turn out qualitative participation, informed and ethical voting, providing continuous electoral and democracy education to the people. She urged the gathering to stand up for ‘Clean Election’ for a better and changed Nagaland.
Speaking on Kohima SVEEP anthem, Kohima DPRO Ruopfulenuo Houzha apprised on the launch of the Kohima District SVEEP anthem and SVEEP mobile van by the Kohima DC and DEO, Kohima. The main idea of launching the SVEEP campaign is to spread awareness on electoral process and clean election for the coming general election, 2018, she stated.
The district SVEEP election anthem was composed in Tenyidie and Nagamese by renowned Nagaland singer Methaneilie with an aim of reaching out to all candidates and voters to adopt clean election in the state.
Later, representatives from wards and colonies under 9 Kohima Town Assembly constituency and 10 Northern Angami-I Assembly constituency led by Kohima DC and district SVEEP icon participated in the signature campaign.
Meanwhile, Wokha DC and DEO Shanavas C warned against booth capturing and open declaration of support in favour of a particular candidate or political party by a village/ward/khel or community through public announcement and even through publication in electronic or print media which violates the secrecy of vote by electors.
The DEO has therefore in an order announced appropriate legal actions against the offenders in the interest of free, fair, transparent election and administering social order against any village or ward or community or group of people or media house found violating or defying the said provisions in connection with the upcoming general Assembly election in Nagaland.