In continuation with the ongoing special summary revision of the electoral roll with 1st January 2025 as the qualifying date, Electoral Roll Observer for Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Peren Districts, Y. Kiheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary, Law & Justice, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources held a meeting on 14th November 2024 with the Administrative, Election Officers and representatives of various political parties under 4 Ghaspani- l and 5 Ghaspani-ll at the DC’s Conference Hall, Chumoukedima.

            During the meeting, he emphasized that clean electoral rolls are required to have clean elections in our State, and the period for cleansing the same is during the current summary revision claims and objections period which started from 28th October and will continue till 28th November, 2024. He advised the district administration to publish the name and contact of BLO and list of polling Stations in the print and social media for wide publicity as they can guide, assist the voters and address many of their grievances.

He also emphasized that the issue of clean electoral roll and the period or process involved should be discussed in various forms including the Church, Sunday school and Elementary School so no eligible voter is left out and the voters are sensitized on the importance of a clean electoral roll and maximum awareness is created thereby.

Sema, touched upon the need to cover the weaker and marginalized sections of the society, PwDs etc. and the significance of Public Grievances Redressal either online or offline. He also cautioned that the functioning of the BLOs should be properly monitored to ensure that the Summary Revision is carried out successfully. On rationalization of Polling Stations, he instructed that the concerned DEO/ERO/AERO should properly scrutinize the proposals and submit with justifications after verifying the same and that the border areas should be given due importance.

Further, asked the political parties to actively involve in the Summary Revision exercise, and appoint BLAs and raise any pertinent issue that needs redressal and work in close coordination with the district administration. On a lighter note, referring to the non-deletion of dead voters, he mentioned that in Nagaland, some voters never seem to die. He called upon the political parties to mobilize their cadres and take full advantage of the second phase of Special Camps which is scheduled on 22nd and 23rd November 2024. On the feedback from political parties that people in the towns are not aware about the details of the Summary Revision, the Observer advised that the extra effort should be made to create awareness in the urban areas also.

In conclusion, he urged upon all the Govt. Officials, Political Parties and stakeholders  give due importance to the exercise of Summary Revision, to carry out sensitization activities through various means including social media, and to jointly work together to bring about a healthy electoral roll which will go a long way towards our goal of achieving Clean Election in Nagaland. Following the meeting the Electoral Roll Observer proceeded to visit identified polling stations to monitor the ongoing summary revision activities and ensure compliance with electoral regulation.

(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)