Kudos to ECI initiatives, brickbats for politicians
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 20, 2012:: Applauding the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the positive changes being witnessed in the election campaign scenario in Manipur, prominent women activists expressed hope that election to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly will bring similar change in the governance.

Speaking to The Sangai Express All Manipur women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj president Keisam Taruni Devi and her counter-part Longjam Memchoubi Devi of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur were unanimous that the ECI's election code of conduct has atleast constrained women-folk, especially in the valley areas, to act in a more mature manner.

Noting that in the last few general and parliamentary elections as well as during adult franchise for local bodies it had been a common sight for the general public that women-folk, attired in their best, flock to residence of candidates to attend ceremonial events such as flag hoisting.

Inspite of flag hoisting ceremonies a strictly religious programme it had been a trend in the recent past for the women supporters to display the ornaments and finest apparel they possess or could temporarily possess (hire) at such public occasion, said the presidents.

While flag hoisting ceremonies, normally associated with the women folk carrying fresh vegetables and pleasantries for presentation to the host candidate, is considered an auspicious occasion the event reduced to a platform for showcasing personal material possession amounted to competition between the 'haves' and 'have nots', they opined.

Stating that ECI observers closely monitoring election expenditures by the candidates this time around has led to drastic reduction in extravagant spending, Taruni and Memchoubi were also of the opinion that the ECI restriction has certainly compelled the manipuri women to realise their role in shaping the society.

Further noting that goods brought for ceremonial events were actually bought with the money providing by the candidate concerned and do not in any way reflect support of the participants, they conveyed gratitude to the central and State election authorities for driving home the point to the Manipuri women election is one of the most sacred component of democracy, and has nothing to do with the wealth of the candidates.

Reminding the women voters that shaping future of the Manipuri society lie in their hands, they also cautioned that it is the politicians who ruin the lives of many husbands and sons by providing them intoxicating substances with the sole intention of getting their mandate.

While the ECI and State election officials won the hearts of the women activists, the political class evoked flak from the duo with specific reference to the pre-poll promises and contradictory acts after election.

Elaborating on their contention, Taruni and Memchoubi expressed strong resentment that no politician had ever shown commitment to protect the life of the innocent civilians and citing the firing incident at Khwairamband Keithel in broad day-light that claimed the lives of a former UG and a young pregnant woman.

They also regretted irrelevance of removing AFSPA 1958 from Imphal areas as bomb blasts had killed or maimed several innocent civilians and prevailed upon the politicians to understand and honour the ceaseless campaign by Irom Chanu Sharmila for protecting the people of Manipur.

Even though the ECI measures have finally managed to drive home the point that role of masses would be decisive factor in shaping the future of Manipur it is desirous that some effective measures be initiated to ensure that political leaders work for the betterment of the people rather than indulge in corruption to replenish their coffers, which would be have been diminished substantially due to election-related expenditures.

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