Editor,
Since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972, elections have been won by virtue of the candidate’s ability to induce voters through the free flow of money, liquor, food and other goodies. With every election, the scale and size of such inducements have only increased. Well meaning, honest, intelligent people who genuinely wish to serve the state are deterred to enter the fray. Occasionally, a few individuals have offered some intelligent solutions but for want of much needed support, these have just fizzled out. However, all is not lost yet. The church as well as other faith based organizations can still play a major role in improving the conduct of elections and we need a collective and forceful approach on their part to bring about a fundamental shift in the attitude of the electorate towards elections.
I would like to draw the attention of readers to a letter to the editor titled “Let’s give voters a choice” by Donaldson Shanpru published here on January 30th 2013. The letter suggested that the church here follow what the church of Mizoram has done in the last several elections which facilitated committed people being elected, resulting in better governance and relatively more transparent policy decisions. “Religion which does not cater to the needs of a society is not religion – it’s only playing with words.”
I reiterate what Mr. Shanpru has suggested with some additions – (1) Educate the electorate on how to make an intelligent, informed and conscientious choice understanding that elected representatives are public SERVANTS and answerable to US. (2) The heads of all religious organisations collectively write to every candidate to desist from proffering inducements of any kind. (3) Public censure be issued by the above organizations to those who refuse to follow the above appeal through the media (English and Vernacular).
These measures would perhaps be the first steps in our evolving struggle to regain what is rightfully ours – to be governed by people who desire to serve and not by a bunch of oligarchs.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Sandi Syiem
Via email
Short-selling democracy!
Editor,
It’s disgusting to hear that people are being forced to choose between a candidate who has been indicted by the CBI for selling teaching jobs and a confirmed enemy of the environment whose only value addition has been his success as spokesperson for coal traders. It is not necessary to even mention their names as their deeds are well-known to the discerning public. People are being forced to choose between the frying pan and the fire even while being fully aware that both will burn the common man. Whoever wins will only confirm the fact that citizens of Meghalaya were forced to vote for the “lesser evil” against their will. This is a huge defeat for democracy in India and tarnishes the fair name of Meghalaya before the whole world.
Yours etc.,
Matthew James Syiemiong
Zurich, Switzerland
Lets vote for change
Editor,
After every five years, we are again made to choose between the self -righteous, and the richest. Behold the lust of money confounds us voters. The rich want to be richer, and the powerful need absolute power, while the poor will be just spectators. Time and again, we have had talks and discussions on many issues. We waited five long years to defeat our greedy enemies. Will we remember? Or will we again be flattered like children who are happy with just a candy. They will make a thousand promises. They will knock at your door, like they care. But remember it is that time of year when we should be circumspect. I beg the citizens of Meghalaya to vote without fear or favour and not be fooled by cash or kind. Some candidates are wolves in sheep’s clothing; others are angels in disguise. Let us not be selfish but also think about our boundaries, our Health Care system, our Education system, our roads in far flung villages. our PHCs, our NREGS schemes, our minerals, our water, our electricity, influx of foreigners, our corrupt businessmen/women ,our fun loving ministers, their foreign visits with their families and friends, our double job holders,(Engineer cum Contractor)(Director cum Supplier), our infamous white ink scandal, our forests and deforestation, our land grabbing ministers, our retired officers and staff who are still working, etc. Let us ponder on these issues. The Constitution gives us the power to elect the right people to represent us. Let us throw out the tainted people and vote in new faces Are there any with the soul of Tirot Sing and Kiang Nangbah who can lead us? Viva la Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Deigrace Basaiawmoit,
Via email