SHILLONG: After UDP, it is the turn of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) to raise concerns over electronic voting machines and announced its preference for paper ballot.
KHNAM working president Adelbert Nongrum told reporters that though Japan made the EVMs, the country does not use the technology and this “sends a clear message that it can be manipulated”.
According to him, the change of governance in the state is in the hands of the electorate and not representatives. UDP leader Bindo Lanong had recently said the Election Commission should opt for ballot papers in small states like Meghalaya to instill faith in voters. His remark had come after reports of EVM tampering in Uttar Pradesh.
EVMs were first used in India in 1982 in limited polling booths in Kerala. MB Haneefa invented the Indian machines in 1980.
Focus on quality
KHNAM is focusing on quality and quantity when it comes to choosing candidates for the 2018 polls.
“We are not in a hurry to choose the candidates and we are doing so meticulously to ensure electoral success by standing on the issues of the people in the state,” Nongrum said. He added that talks are on with other candidates as the party already announced the names of six candidates.
Nongrum is confident that KHANM will be an option “at this stage of confusion”.
He pointed out that the polls of 2018 are crucial for the state as even after 45 years of statehood, there are no proper laws that can protect the indigenous people.
“We are only taking refuge in Land Transfer Act which has many loopholes,” he remarked.
Amendment of Rule 128
Commenting on Rule 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous Districts (Constitution of District Councils), Rules, 1951, the KHNAM working president criticised the MDCs in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) by saying they have neglected their duties.
“On the part of KHNAM, we will keep pressing for its amendment as we have to send a clear message that we have to love ourselves and respect others to ensure security for the indigenous people and others,” he added.
Nongrum referred to the district councils in Mizoram (Lai, Mara and Chakma) where they allow only scheduled tribes to be members. “We don’t want our state to turn like Tripura where indigenous people are reduced to minority. We don’t want to disturb others and we don’t want others to disturb us,” he said.
The amendment seeks to prevent non-tribals from taking part in the district council elections.
Asked on the major share of votes from non-tribals, Nongrum said, “The non-tribals have welcomed KHNAM and not only me even though there are some who say it is anti-nontribal, communal party.”
He added that they met the non-tribals to tell them the reason behind the formation of KHNAM which is “to continue our fight inside the Assembly along with bona fide residents of the state” as there is no law to fight influx.
