| After casting the vote
Contrary to widespread apprehension of a large-scale violence during the first phase polling in the 40 Assembly constituencies in the valley, the voting ended by and large peacefully. Barring an ambush on a BSF party in which two personnel were reported killed; no major violent incident was reported from the forty constituencies spread across four districts in the valley. Of course there were stray incidents of ballot paper snatching and skirmishes but the voter turnout was massive, indicating that democracy is vibrant in Manipur.
Among those whose fates are sealed yesterday are three former Chief Ministers and one Deputy Chief Ministry. Now after the polling in 40 constituencies the worries of the election managers are not over. The second phase polling in the 20 constituencies in the hills will be held on February 21 and the police top brass is apprehending large-scale violence when the second phase polling takes place.
It is hoped that all will be well in the next phase of polling as well and the authorities; candidates and their workers will create an atmosphere where each voter can exercise his democratic right without any fear. One ugly aspect of this round of election in the valley is the skirmishes between workers of candidates. Differences in a positive and constructive way is an essential part of democracy but differences leading to violence is a trend which one should not encourage. It will be wise if the agents, workers and supporters forget and forgive after the declaration of the results.
The election does not end with casting of votes. It is the only beginning, not only for the fortunate candidates who can make it to the Assembly, but also for the masses. Indeed election is only a portion of the democratic exercise called forming a people's Government. Immediately after the election Hillary Clinton said in her speech that though they fought as Democrats and Republicans in the election, they would be working together as New Yorkers for the welfare of the citizens from the next day.
The differences during electioneering should be forgotten and they will have to work unitedly again for the betterment of the particular constituency, the district and the State. In the next few weeks all the results of the sixty seats would be known and a new Government would be coming. The task of the next Government has already been cut out. Its first worry would be paying the salary of Government employees before the Yaoshang festival. The next step is to pull back the economy from the brink. This is not an easy task and it cannot be achieved immediately, but we will have to make a beginning.
What is important is that the direction of the Government should be shown by the masses. A Government will have to function as per the masses. A governemnt will have to function as per the wishes of the people. If people are corrupt, selfish and think of only personal gains the Government will naturally indulge in corruption, favoritism and nepotism. It is hoped that the entire election process will be over without any trouble so that we can make a new beginning.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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