Meghalaya has voted for its two MPs. The jury of course is still out on who, among the contenders will win the race. People have danced to the tune of democracy. The Election Commission of India has done its job commendably surpassing past efforts and actually turning the phrase “No voter will be left behind,” a reality, unless voters themselves consciously decide to abstain from voting. At the national level, Prime Minister Modi’s biopic meant to emotionally influence gullible voters has been kept on hold by the Election Commission of India (ECI), based on a petition from retired civil servants. This time the State Chief Electoral Officer, FR Kharkongor has pulled all the stops to enable physically disabled voters and the elderly to cast their votes without hassle. Creches for babies have been organised to enable mothers to vote with a carefree mind. Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and NSS volunteers were seen assisting voters and volunteering happily in all these activities.
As always, women voters seem to have surpassed men. At the IIM Shillong polling station, the women’s queue was at least one kilometre long in the morning hours whereas the male line had two or three in the line-up. Women perhaps vote with hope for a better future for themselves and the younger generation. No wonder male candidates are hugely dependent on women canvassers and volunteers, without whose help and support, they cannot win elections. Women show a remarkable sense of responsibility when it comes to casting their votes. While the final voting figures will emerge quite late on Thursday, as of 5 pm, the voting percentage of Shillong was 63.56% while Tura polled 75.6%. Clearly, despite the exhortation by the Election Commission there are a substantial number in Shillong Parliamentary Constituency that did not cast their votes. What was predicted all along about voters apathy has turned out correct. People have no emotional attachment to the idea of voting because they think their interface with the MP is minimal. As always, the Assembly elections are always more exciting because the MLA is the go-to person for all our public and personal needs. The MP is a someone you see once in a while; his contribution to the State is minimal. Also there is hardly any direct contact between the MP and the electorate. Time was when stalwarts like GG Swell and Hoover Hynniewta in Khasi Hills and PA Sangma in Garo Hills could connect to people because they had the stature of national leaders. It’s been a while now since Meghalaya produced leaders of such distinction.
