The State Level programme for the celebration of the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD), 2026 was held at Hotel Japfu, Kohima, on January 25 on the theme “My India, My Vote”.

Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest, Abhijit Sinha, IAS Principal Secretary, Home Department, Government of Nagaland said that the National Voters’ Day is observed to remind citizens of their responsibilities in a democracy and the importance of active participation in the electoral process.

He stated that Nagaland, along with the rest of the country is celebrating the 16th National Voters’ Day to reaffirm faith in democratic traditions. Highlighting the importance of the voters’ pledge, he said it reflects the collective responsibility of citizens to uphold and strengthen democracy. He stressed that democracy cannot function properly if decisions are taken by a few and imposed on others, and added that inclusive discussion and respect for different opinions are essential.

Asserting that democracy is strengthened not only by belief but through action, he said enrolment in the electoral roll is important, exercising the right to vote is equally necessary. He therefore urged all eligible citizens, particularly first-time voters, to actively participate in the elections and encouraged others to do the same.

Emphasizing free and fair voting, he said voting must be done without fear, pressure, or inducement. Voters should cast their votes based on their own judgement and conviction, keeping in mind the larger interest of society. He also encouraged young voters to act as ambassadors of democracy by spreading awareness about democratic values and the importance of voting.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, B Henok Buchem, NCS, Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Kohima said that National Voters’ Day serves as a reminder that every vote and every voice matters in shaping a better future. He encouraged first-time voters to register, understand the issues, and cast informed votes. He also stressed the importance of respectful dialogue, active participation, and confidence in the electoral process, adding that democracy is upheld through unity, equality, and shared responsibility.

A message from the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, Bhagyashree Banayat, IAS, on the perspective and background of National Voters’ Day was read out at the programme. In her message, she informed that National Voters’ Day has been observed every year on January 25 since 2011 to mark the foundation of the Election Commission of India. She said the day reaffirms commitment to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, and equality, and highlighted the theme “My India, My Vote” as a reminder that democracy depends on informed and active citizen participation. She also acknowledged the efforts of the Election Commission of India and the election machinery in conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

A video message from the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, was also played, highlighting the role of voters, especially youth, and the importance of being informed about the electoral process.

During the programme, awards and felicitations were presented to outstanding Booth Level Officers and first-time voters. The State Award for Best BLO was awarded to Sentitula, Primary Teacher and BLO of PS No. 5, Alongmen Ward, 25-Mongya Assembly Constituency, in recognition of her dedication and sincere service since her appointment in 2010. The State Award for Best Campus Ambassador was awarded to H. Longching of Yingli Government College, Longleng, for his role in promoting electoral awareness and voter enrolment.

Based on performance during the Continuous Updation of Electoral Rolls, 2025, several BLOs under Kohima district were selected as the Best BLOs of their respective Assembly Constituencies. These included Dievizoto Punyu, Velhukholu, Menuotuonuo Rutsa, Mhasivotuo Kerhuo, Khozo Yhoshu, and Kekuvil Pucho. A total of 12 new young voters were also felicitated during the programme.

The National Voters’ Day Pledge was administered by Abhijit Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, Home Department. The programme also featured a special musical performance by Sunep Lemtur, State SVEEP Icon. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by R. Mhathung, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, followed by the playing of the National Anthem.

Mokokchung:

Mokokchung District celebrated the 16th National Voters’ Day at the DC Conference Hall, Mokokchung on January 25 on the theme “My India, My Vote” and the tagline “Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”. The event was organized by the District Election Office, Mokokchung, in collaboration with My Bharat Mokokchung.

Addressing the gathering as the Guest of Honour, Atsungba Walling, ADC Mokokchung, highlighted that National Voters’ Day marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He emphasized its critical role in promoting voter awareness and boosting registration, particularly among youth and students. Walling underscored the “Right to Vote” as a fundamental pillar of democracy and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections while strengthening democratic participation.

A significant highlight of the programme was the felicitation of newly enrolled voters and the presentation of awards to the Best Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for their dedicated service.

The formal programme was chaired by Wapanger Walling, while the welcome address was delivered by Kuzhocu Cukhamu, EAC (P). Temjenmerang, a student from Fazl Ali College shared a perspective on “Being a Responsible Voter.” The National Voters’ Pledge was administered by S.T. Haokip, DYO, My Bharat Mokokchung, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks from Renben Mozhui, AEO Mokokchung.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Tuensang:

The 16th National Voters’ Day Celebrated at DC’s Conference Hall, Tuensang on January 25 on the theme ‘My India, My Vote’ organised by the District Administration, District Election Office Tuensang in collaboration with Mera Yuve Bharat and Department of Social welfare, Tuensang.

DC Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa in her short speech stated that India is one of the largest Democratic Country in the world, where we have the right to exercise our rights to participate in the process of election. The DC also congratulated and exhorted the first time voters that every vote is precious to elect a good leader which will work for the development of the society. She also congratulated the Awardees BLOs for their good work and urged them to work efficiently and keep the ethical values of Clean Election in their respective areas. He also encouraged the youth to register themselves if they attained the age of 18 years to participate in the process of election.

Other highlights of the day were invocation by Anong wongto, Youth Pastor YBL, Welcome address by Chulongla Chang, Centre Administrator, Sakhi One Stop Tuensang, Short speech from Kishore Barman, District Youth Officer, My Bharat, Tuensang and Sipong Lemla District SVEEP Icon followed by Special Presentation by Kundangsangla Chang, felicitation of New Voters and best BLO Awards. Voter Pledge was administered by Zujanbeni N Ngullie, EAC Tuensang and vote of thanks was delivered by Nilo Katiry, AEO Tuensang. The function was chaired by Keneingunuo Phesao.

Tseminyu:

The 16th National Voters’ Day was held on January 25 at DC’s conference hall, Tseminyu with the theme, “My India, My Vote”. On this occasion the felicitation for best BLO of 12 A/C Tseminyu was awarded to Sogwalo Magh-Polling Station, 8-Tesophenyu (middle). The program also witness distribution of voter Card to newly registered voters.

During the program, welcome address was delivered by Mhomo Tungoe, ADC & ERO Tseminyu, while EAC & AEO Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum chaired the program and administered the National Voters’ Day Pledge.

Mon:

Mon district also celebrated 16th National Voters’ Day on with the theme “My India, My Vote” with a slogan, ‘Indian citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy’ at DC’s Conference Hall, Mon.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Pakon Phom extended his gratitude to the participants for their presence and to be a part of this programme. He reminded that National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year on this Day to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.

He said that the objective of the National Voters’ Day is to encourage registration of new voters, especially youth who have attained 18 years of age. It is also celebrated to promote and educate the people about intellectual processes and also ethical voting. He also mentioned that the employees who have worked sincerely to make this electoral process successful were felicitated and given recognition on this Day.

He encouraged the participants to impart the electoral process to their friends and colleagues to make Indian democracy strong with the active participation of its citizens. He also felicitated and distributed the EPIC Cards to the New Voters.

Best BLOs felicitated during the program included – NY Lowang Konyak from 41 Tizit A/C; Yanao from 42 Wakching A/C; Nahpang Konyak from 43 Tapi A/C; Jamjai K from 44 Phomching A/C; T. Chamwang from 45 Tehok A/C; Methna Konyak from 46 Mon Town A/C; E. Mukwang Konyak from 47 ABoi A/C; T. Lukai Konyak from 48 Moka A/C; and C Hoangkan from 55 Tobu A/C.

The programme was chaired by Samuel Konyak N, LDA Election Office, Mon. AEO Mon, Lungkube administered the Voters’ Pledge. Shekhozo Vero, EAC Mon delivered the welcome address.The invocation was pronounced by YP David, Chaplain District Hospital Mon and a special number was presented by Chaoya, while the vote of thanks was delivered by M. Winsha Konyak, Senior HA, AEO office Mon.