IMPHAL, March 26: Prison inmates still haven’t got their voting rights and this issue hasn’t been discussed despite acknowledging that it is a vital issue. Voters in the services can cast votes by sending their ballot papers by post.
Manipur’s chief electoral officer O Nabakishore Singh made the above statement as the chief guest during an interaction program as part of a one-day mega interaction programme on Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) held at the Centenary Hall of Manipur University. The programme was jointly organised by National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, MU and Nehru Yuva Kendra, Imphal West sponsored by office of the CEO. Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University H Nandakumar Sharma presided over the function.
During the interaction, O Nabkishore added that under the guidelines of Supreme Court of India, those candidates convicted for more than two years would be definitely disqualified from candidature. But under trial candidates can contest the election.
During the function, he continued that the role of NSS volunteers are very important for the development of society and knowing this today’s functions is important for a free and fair Lok Sabha election, adding that NSS volunteers are master trainers who will train the people.
Every citizen who has attained the age of 18 has the right to cast vote. It is important in a democracy for country citizen to cast their votes without fail. A voter can cast their vote in NOTA if he/she doesn’t support any of the candidates giving a big message to the candidates that they are not suited for the post, he added.
Around 1000 delegates participated from various parts of the state. After the function, a skit on electoral participation by Nokphade was also present as a part of the function.