As celebrated across the country, the 6th National Voters’ Day has also been observed in different parts of the state today with the main state function organised by Election Department, Government of Manipur under the theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Electoral Participation” at GM Hall, Kangla Park, Imphal.
The function was attended by Chief Secretary (Election), IAS O Nabakishore Singh, Y Rameshchandra Singh, Commissioner- State Election Commission of Manipur and Naorem Prabin, Joint Chief Electoral Officer as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function, Chief Secretary (Election), IAS O Nabakishore Singh said that National Voters’ day is observed to strengthen democracy in the country. Right to cast our vote comes only once every five years and all the youth who have attained 18 years of age must be enrolled in voters’ list to enjoy their right.
National Voters’ Day is significant in a democratic country like India. Every citizen who has attained 18 years of age as well as physically handicapped persons and those living in the low class sectors has the right to cast vote to elect his/her leader in an election, Nabakishore added.
Nabakishore further said that in this present era, independent thinking is required while giving votes as many tried to take away one’s right by bribing them in a non-democratic way as the one contesting election assured the citizens a better state, better country will be established through their party but fail to do so.
Casting vote is not only necessary. Success of democracy thus also depends on media as media plays a vital role. Media has been described as the fourth pillar of democracy. Peace and prosperity could be established in the state and in the country only if media works with the aim in a democratic way, Nabakishore added.
Nabakishore also said that youths are the pillars of the nation and today’s generation of youth need good thinking. Today’s theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Electoral Participation” is a wise selection looking at the coming general election, 2017. Since the term of the present ruling government is coming to an end, public can choose and decide in the next election to whom they should cast their votes so that the new government could bring changes from the ruling government, Chief Secretary (Election), IAS O Nabakishore Singh asserted in his speech.
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.
Media described as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy on 6th National Voters’ Day
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