SHILLONG, Jan 23: In what is being dubbed a compassionate gesture towards the student community, public meetings have been prohibited in Mawlai so as to avoid disturbing the students appearing for board examinations, a decision that was reportedly taken after deliberations with the six candidates contesting the upcoming KHADC polls from Mawlai constituency. However, the VPP has registered a staunch opposition against this decision.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Mawlai Town Dorbar (MTD) chairman Herlambok War explained that the town dorbar held discussions with all six candidates, during which concerns were raised that public meetings could disturb students appearing for board examinations. According to War, the KHADC polls coincide with the ongoing board exams.
The MTD chairman further stated that the dorbar took the initiative to meet the candidates after residents, parents, and members of the teaching community expressed worries that public meetings might adversely affect students.
War added that all six candidates agreed during the meeting and signed a resolution confirming the unanimous decision. It was resolved that the town dorbars, in collaboration with the respective Dorbar Shnongs, would host a common platform for candidates to present their agenda to voters. However, he clarified that the MTD does not have the authority to ban political parties or candidates from holding rallies or public meetings.
“This decision was not imposed. It was an appeal, which all six candidates endorsed during Wednesday’s meeting,” War emphasised.
Disagreements prevail
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday expressed strong opposition to the MTD and other durbars’ decision to prohibit political parties from organising public meetings and campaigns, calling it a violation of the Constitution of India, international law, and the fundamental principles of democracy.
“The Constitution of India, under Article 19(1)(a), (b), and (d), guarantees fundamental freedoms, including the right to speech and expression, peaceful assembly without arms, and movement throughout the territory of India,” stated VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh.
Myrboh emphasised that candidates and political parties are essential stakeholders in the electoral process. “They not only have rights but also represent the opinions and political voices of voters,” he said.
He further added, “Free communication of information and ideas by voters, candidates, and political parties is essential for genuine elections. To this end, everyone, including political parties, candidates, and their supporters, has the right to seek, receive, and share ideas through any means of their choice, including public meetings.”
Highlighting international norms, Myrboh referenced the Declaration on Criteria for Free and Fair Elections adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 154th session on March 26, 1994, of which India is a signatory. Quoting Clause 3 of Article 3, he stated, “Everyone, individually and collectively, has the right to express political opinions without interference, to seek, receive, and impart information, to make informed choices, to move freely within the country to campaign for elections, and to campaign on an equal basis with other political parties, including the ruling party.”
Myrboh also cited Justice Swaminathan of the Madras High Court, who observed, “Without elections, there is no democracy. Unless there is free and effective campaigning, elections will be rendered a farce.”
He asserted that the state is constitutionally obligated to uphold these rights. “The authorities must ensure these rights are protected at all costs. Any individual or group attempting to restrain candidates and party cadres from exercising these rights must be dealt with firmly,” he added.
Reports suggest that candidates contesting the upcoming Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections in the Mawlai constituency will not be allowed to hold independent campaign events. Instead, campaigns will be restricted to common platforms organized by the dorbar heads.
MTD Secretary Marco Mitri reportedly stated that these common platforms will be held across all areas of Mawlai, citing the need to avoid disturbing students preparing for various examinations as the primary reason for the decision.
Counter criticisms
MTD secretary Marco Mitri expressed disappointment over claims by some candidates that no such decision was made. He reiterated that the MTD is not forcing anyone to comply. “If they disagree, they are free to proceed independently. We will collaborate only with candidates who support the decision,” Mitri said.
Meanwhile, the MTD president announced that the restriction on public meetings by political parties and candidates would take effect from January 27, once the model code of conduct comes into force.
The MTD’s statement follows claims by VPP candidate Eddieson Kharumnuid that no such decision was taken to restrict public meetings. VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit also criticised the MTD during an election rally in Mookaiaw on Wednesday, accusing the dorbar of imposing its decision on candidates.
In addition to Kharumnuid, the meeting was attended by former MLA PT Sawkmie, sitting MDC Teibor Pathaw, TULBA president Seiborlang L Nonglait (both likely to run as independents), BJP candidate Daniella Nonglait, and Congress candidate Wanseng Jyrwa.
The KHADC polls are scheduled for February 21, with the counting of votes on February 24.
