KOLKATA: As election to the 9th Meghalaya legislative meeting approaches, natives of the state staying here have little selection but to look on longingly from a distance. The proper to exercise their franchise is a salutary proper of every adult citizen. But a lot of the ones domiciled in Meghalaya but running within the City of Joy will have to forego that proper this time.
“This would were my first time voting had I been home. I'm disenchanted that I can’t go home,” said 22-year-old Ronald Kharsyiemlieh, a scholar at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. It is the same case of ignored alternatives for Philarima Hynniewta, who works at E Info Solution here. “Sadly, I can’t go home because of work,” she said.
Other kids from Meghalaya here said that they had a lot to mention in regards to the polls but may just not voice their tips the entire means from Kolkata. “I truly wanted to be a part of the campaigning and meetings which are most often held in several localities in Shillong. I wanted to hear the candidates and recommend a few things that they are able to look into,” John Momin, a consultant at a call centre in New Town, said.
For the ones running within the non-public sector — corresponding to Philarima, Ronald and John — even postal ballot isn't an choice.
Meghalaya leader electoral officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said, “Everybody does not get the privilege to vote the usage of postal ballot. Only provider citizens, special citizens, wives of provider and special citizens, electors subjected to preventive detention, citizens on election accountability and notified citizens have the proper to make use of postal ballot.”
For the ones living away from home at a time of pleasure and anticipation, the restricted scope of the postal ballot provides insult to injury. “I feel everybody will have to be allowed to vote via the postal ballot. People like me who can’t go home can simply not waste our vote and check out to make a distinction,” said Ronald.
Things are no better for staff of Meghalaya House. “We were running here for many years but nobody takes us under consideration. If we wish to vote, we need to go home at our own expense, the usage of up our leaves,” Emidaka Pakyntein, a lower-division assistant at the House, said. She added, “We have spoken to the deputy commissioner of the state and requested him to imagine us for postal ballot, if possible.”
Eleven group of workers contributors, out of 23, can be going home to forged their vote. The others are hoping they're going to get an opportunity to vote from here itself if the Election Commission accepts the request. “All we will be able to do is wait and hope,” Kuriakose Baby, a motion officer at Meghalaya House, said. “It is nerve-wracking as the election is only a week away. We have taken up the issue with our seniors and more than a few officers of the state, but to no avail,” he added. While govt workers in Meghalaya get a vacation on polling day, it is going to be work as same old for the ones running here.
“If the Election Commission is of the same opinion, it is going to be a primary. We are hoping this small step will wake the federal government. Hopefully via the following election, special preparations shall be made for people like us,” Emidaka said.
“This would were my first time voting had I been home. I'm disenchanted that I can’t go home,” said 22-year-old Ronald Kharsyiemlieh, a scholar at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. It is the same case of ignored alternatives for Philarima Hynniewta, who works at E Info Solution here. “Sadly, I can’t go home because of work,” she said.
Other kids from Meghalaya here said that they had a lot to mention in regards to the polls but may just not voice their tips the entire means from Kolkata. “I truly wanted to be a part of the campaigning and meetings which are most often held in several localities in Shillong. I wanted to hear the candidates and recommend a few things that they are able to look into,” John Momin, a consultant at a call centre in New Town, said.
For the ones running within the non-public sector — corresponding to Philarima, Ronald and John — even postal ballot isn't an choice.
Meghalaya leader electoral officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said, “Everybody does not get the privilege to vote the usage of postal ballot. Only provider citizens, special citizens, wives of provider and special citizens, electors subjected to preventive detention, citizens on election accountability and notified citizens have the proper to make use of postal ballot.”
For the ones living away from home at a time of pleasure and anticipation, the restricted scope of the postal ballot provides insult to injury. “I feel everybody will have to be allowed to vote via the postal ballot. People like me who can’t go home can simply not waste our vote and check out to make a distinction,” said Ronald.
Things are no better for staff of Meghalaya House. “We were running here for many years but nobody takes us under consideration. If we wish to vote, we need to go home at our own expense, the usage of up our leaves,” Emidaka Pakyntein, a lower-division assistant at the House, said. She added, “We have spoken to the deputy commissioner of the state and requested him to imagine us for postal ballot, if possible.”
Eleven group of workers contributors, out of 23, can be going home to forged their vote. The others are hoping they're going to get an opportunity to vote from here itself if the Election Commission accepts the request. “All we will be able to do is wait and hope,” Kuriakose Baby, a motion officer at Meghalaya House, said. “It is nerve-wracking as the election is only a week away. We have taken up the issue with our seniors and more than a few officers of the state, but to no avail,” he added. While govt workers in Meghalaya get a vacation on polling day, it is going to be work as same old for the ones running here.
“If the Election Commission is of the same opinion, it is going to be a primary. We are hoping this small step will wake the federal government. Hopefully via the following election, special preparations shall be made for people like us,” Emidaka said.
For voters away from home, election is all about missed opportunities
![For voters away from home, election is all about missed opportunities]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
February 24, 2018
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