Nagaland, on 25 January 2023, celebrated the 13th National Voters’ Day (NVD) along with the rest of the nation under the theme ‘Nothing like voting, I vote for sure’.

In his address at the function held at Hotel Japfü, Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar, IAS, urged the people to report any electoral malpractices through the mobile app cVigil. He said that photos and videos can be used to report any misconducts for prompt action from the authorities.

He said that the Nagas are inherently democratic and hoped that the true spirit of democracy which is already there in our society manifest itself in the formal election process.

Referring to a speech of a former President of India, the CEO said that we are indebted to the makers of our Constitution who declared the Right to Vote to all citizens when in countries like the United States of America and United Kingdom, citizens had to fight for the same.

He added that NVD is a day when all the citizens can remember their rights and responsibilities as voters and that this year it is even more significant due to the forthcoming Assembly Election in the state.

Furthermore, Shekhar urged the people, especially the first-time voters, to exercise their franchise with utmost sincerity and inspire others to do so.

He expressed his appreciation to the two first time voters, Khriesi Sophie and Tejodeno Viphrezo Zao, for raising the issue of proxy voting and questioning why some people indulge in proxy voting and what measures the authority are taking to stop this menace.

The CEO said that to ensure a free and fair election, all enforcement agencies which includes the central and state police force, excise, income tax, enforcement directorates, narcotics control bureau and many agencies will be utilised and enforced.

On the occasion, the CEO presented the Best Electoral Awards 2023 to Thavaseelan K, IAS, for his noble initiatives on Systematic Voters Education and Electoral and Electoral Participation during his tenure as DC & DEO MON of Mon District; Joint CEO & Nodal Officer, Awa Lorin for his contribution in the smooth management of state Electoral  Roll; and Imnalensa, IPS, SP Kohima for successful Security Management during the conduct of General Election to the Lok Sabha election, 2019 as SP, Mon.

A special award was given to Ketousie, AEO (MIS) for her contribution on IT Application and Electoral Management in the state.

The CEO, Nagaland administered the NVD pledge and also gave away NVD badges and appreciation certificates to the newly enrolled voters.

In his address, the Deputy Commissioner and DEO, Kohima, Shanavas C, IAS, expressed pride in the fact that India has been successfully upholding the practice of democracy just as was envisioned by the pioneers of the country. He also encouraged the young voters to diligently participate in the democratic process.

The DC gave award to the following best Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Kohima district – Peteneilhou Zenyu, P.S-7 Kiruphema Bawe/Basa, 8 Western Angami; Chanda Rai, PS 15- Chandamari (Upper-II), 9 Kohima Town; Kekuolhounyu Yhome, PS-Peraciezie-2, 10 Northern Angami I; Visose-o Rulho, PS-38-Nerhe Model Village, 11 Northern Angami 11; Adole Yhokha, PS-18 Vikhozou (Kigwema), 14 Southern Angami 1; and Seketo Kintso, PS- 10-Kidima (Upper) from 15 Southern Angami 11.

The DC also felicitated three village councils of Nihokhu under Niuland, Thizama and Kiruphema Basa Village under Kohima for resolving to conduct a free and fair elections.

The winners of the Poster Slogan Competition on the theme ‘Ethical Voting’ were also awarded with certificates as follows: 1st to Ruokuophrenuo Kesiezie from Mount Hermon School, Kohima and the 2nd and 3rd to Dzüzieneinuo Keditsu, Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima and Menuovilie Zhotso, G Rio School, Kohima respectively.

To mark the occasion, a special number titled ‘My Vote is My Future’ was presented by a student from Mount Hermon Hr Sec School, Kohima, participants in the ECI’s National Voters Awareness contest, 2022, Nyensang Oungh and Visheto Kasho.

Mughato Achumi, a person with Disability (PwD), also presented a solo song.