Manifestos carry little meaning, says Prof Bimola
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2011: With both the electors and political parties paying little attention to election manifestos, these documents carry little or no meaning in Manipur though elections manifestos play a determining role in elections elsewhere across the world.

This was stated by Prof Ksh Bimola at a seminar held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound on the occasion of the 25th foundation day of the Leishem Pathou.

Presenting a paper at the seminar held on the topic "Perspectives of Good Government in Manipur� in Search of New Democratic System", Prof Bimola said that both voters and political parties seemed to have little understanding of the importance of election manifestos in establishing a popular Government under democratic system.

Saying that economy, society and politics are closely linked, Prof Bimola asserted that a sound political system can be realised when there is a productive economy in tune to the existing to social norms, social beliefs and social values.

Talking on the topic, "Voting Behaviour and Political Participation", Prof Bimola observed that majority of the voters of Manipur did not vote in favour of capable and social minded candidates.

Without ever perusing election manifestos published by different political parties, majority of the voters simply cast their votes in favour of the candidates who could offer them highest amount of money.

In case the present trend continues, it would not be far off when the elected representatives take over full authority over the people behind the facade of democracy.

The general behaviour of the voters is that they are not politically committed and they have no qualms to sell off their voting rights for some amount of money, Prof Bimola observed.

People's participation in the elections is not driven by political commitment but by the money that comes into play during elections, she said.

Prof Ch Priyoranjan of Manipur University presented a paper on the topic "Self Sufficient Political Economy of Manipur�A Vision" .

Priyoranjan observed that the number of marginal workers has been rising while the productive base of the State's economy has been fast degenerating.

When the productive base of the economy has been fast degenerating, one cannot expect a self sufficient political economy, he asserted.

Leishem Pathou president Dr H Indrakumar spoke on the topic "Value Based Political Culture Minus Democratic Capitalism" .

The seminar was moderated by former Director of College Development Council, Manipur University Yumnam Mohendro.

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