New definition of taking part in elections Healthy and welcome development
- Sangai Express Editorial :: March 08, 2014 -

Giving a new definition to the understanding of citizens' participation in elections in the largest democracy.

This is what it is all about and this is a healthy and encouraging development.

More than the political parties or the candidates, it is important to see and study how far will the 29 point recommendations put forth by the People's Manifesto Consultation Programme held on March 6 be able to influence the voters.

It is not for nothing that there is the popular and correct observation that elections in Manipur never revolve around an issue or issues which fundamentally affect/s their lives and hence the importance to see how far the voters as a whole respond to the recommendations put forth during the consultation programme.

For the political parties, we are more than inclined to believe that they will say yes to the recommendations, for the issues brought up are intrinsically linked with the lives of the people, but the more important question is whether the voters will go by issues or whether it will be a repeat of the past, where the deciding factor has always been money power.

Not to forget muscle power.

In the valley areas the latter may not be that intense, but in the hills it is an altogether different story, with armed thugs ruling the roost and punishing/thrashing those who dare to oppose the candidate or candidates of their choice.

Votes for sale, this is the biggest challenge before the well meaning citizens of the land and the 29 point recommendations put forward is perhaps the first, right step towards giving some profound meaning to elections.

It is an exhaustive list no doubt, but it is heartening to learn that the organisers of the consultation meet managed to touch a variety of issues from the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to health care, to the rights and privileges of people living with HIV, to gender sensitisation and safety for women and children, to the rights of the LGBTs, to the rights of the physically challenged persons etc.

You name it and most of the issues which affect our daily lives have found a mention.

The agenda has been set but this is just the beginning.

Almost all the political parties are likely to agree with the points raised but will they be sincere enough to contest the election on these issues or will they fall back on the tried and tested formula of Money and Muscle power ? Will the voters go along with how the candidates focus on the points raised and go along with their poll campaign or will it be something else ? Only time will tell and in as much as the points raised are praiseworthy, there is still so much to do, such as taking these points to the people.

Will the organisations which have come together to discuss these issues be satisfied by just putting up these points to the political parties or will they be willing or ready to take these issues to the people is the moot point.

Whatever the case, the important point to note is the fact that the need of the hour is not so much to educate the political parties or candidates, but the voters, who will decide.

If money comes your way, say no.

If muscle power is used against you, resist and report the incident to the appropriate authority including the office of the Chief Electoral Officer as well as the Election Commission of India.

Voters' participation in the elections should not only be about turning up on voting day and exercising one's rights but should also encompass judicious use of the ballot power.

It should not only be about voting a person but should also be about voting out the rot that has besieged the people and the land for decades.

A beginning has been made but let's not rest on this but take it further.