Nagaland chief secretary, Pankaj Kumar, Thursday said that the society would get better government if people utilised their precious vote responsibly.\nAddressing the 8th National Voters\u2019 Day as chief guest at the capital convention centre here, the chief secretary asserted that electing a right leader depended on the society because people get the government they deserve. The National Voters\u2019 Day, which was held under the theme \u201cAccessible Elections, started on January 25, 2011 with the aim of encouraging more young voters to take part in the political process.
\nHe asserted that setting up of a strong Election Commission had ensured free and fair elections. He, however, lamented the trend of using muscle power during elections. In this regard, Kumar encouraged people to follow the success story of the clean election movement from the neighbouring state of Mizoram. He also appealed to the citizens of the state to take a pledge to exercise their \u201cright to vote\u201d and \u201cvote responsibly\u201d.
\nIn his address, chief electoral officer (CEO) Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha said National Voters\u2019 Day was held with the objective of increasing enrolment of voters, making universal adult franchise a complete reality and enhancing the quality of Indian democracy. He urged all eligible voters to know their rights and responsibility to participate in the electoral process.
\nSinha made a fervent appeal to all concerned for greater participation as well as qualitative participation in the electoral process.
\nOthers who spoke at the programme included reigning Miss Nagaland 2017 and state election icon, Marina Kiho; sate icon (PwD), Diethono Nakhro and bamboo cyclist Sievituo Solo. The programme was chaired by deputy commissioner (DC) and district election officer (DEO), Rajesh Soundararajan.
\nEarlier, deputy CEO, Ruokuovituo Khezhie, introduced the icons, joint CEO, Khekugha Sema, presented the message of chief election commissioner; deputy secretary and OSD, Temjensangla, administered the launching and playing of SVEEP anthem on clean election (\u2018Sapna Dongor Ase\u2019 in collaboration with Dreamz Unlimited). Pfuchaziinuo cultural group presented folk song. CEO administered NVD pledge while the chief guest presented EPICs and NVD badges to new voters and millennial voters. Deputy CEO, Vekho Vero, proposed vote of thanks.
\nMeanwhile, winners of various awards were also announced. In the district level slogan writing competition held during short term SVEEP Campaign, 2017, Athelong of Driftwood Boys Hostel bagged first while Sangli of Kenuozou Hill and Onoungla of Jotosma emerged second and third respectively. Winners of YVF, 2017 Slogan Writing Competition on Clean Elections included Itheka of Mount Hermon Hr. Sec. School (first), Savita Yadav of Model Hr. Sec. School (second) and Obed KC Tsanglao of Dainty Buds Hr. Sec. School (third).
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