National Voters’ Day: Reforming democracy from the ground up in Manipur

Syed Rafiuddin
Contd from previous issue
Digital facilities for voter registration, correction of EPIC details, and grievance redressal now exist, but awareness remains uneven, particularly in rural and affected areas. National Voters’ Day must serve as a launchpad for year-round voter education, using local languages and community-based platforms such as schools, women’s collectives, youth clubs, and civil society organisations.
Young voters deserve special attention. For many first-time voters in Manipur, political participation coincides with social uncertainty. Yet, their informed engagement is essential to reforming democratic culture. Educational institutions should go beyond enrolment drives and actively promote constitutional literacy, ethical voting, and peaceful political participation.
“An informed vote is the strongest reform a citizen can contribute to democracy.”
Reform must also extend to political conduct. Free and fair elections depend not only on administration, but on the behaviour of political parties and candidates. Issue-based campaigning, adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, and rejection of misinformation and intimidation are essential, especially in a fragile social environment. Democracy weakens when fear replaces choice.
In a society striving for reconciliation, voting can become a unifying civic act. National Voters’ Day reminds us that democratic participation offers a peaceful channel for expressing aspirations and grievances. For Manipur, electoral reform is not merely procedural—it is part of rebuilding trust, inclusion, and democratic confidence.
As the state looks ahead, National Voters’ Day must inspire practical reforms, sustained outreach, and shared responsibility, ensuring that every voice counts.
VOTER AWARENESS SIDEBAR
Who Can Register as a Voter? Any Indian citizen aged 18 years or above. Ordinary resident of a constituency (including displaced persons)
Name not already included elsewhere
VOTER AWARENESS SIDEBAR
Facilities Available for Displaced Voters
Enrolment at current place of stay
Correction of address and details online or through BLOs
Special outreach drives during electoral roll revision
Assistance at relief camps (where notified)
VOTER AWARENESS SIDEBAR
Know Your Digital Voter Services
Online voter registration
Correction of name, age, photo, and address
EPIC download (where applicable)
Grievance redressal and status tracking
(Assistance also available through local election offices and Booth Level Officers.)
VOTER AWARENESS SIDEBAR
Role of Citizens in Electoral Reform
Verify your name in the voter list regularly
Report errors or duplication
Reject misinformation and electoral inducements
Encourage youth and women to register and vote
(The writer is a Booth Level Officer BLO and teacher of a government school.)