“There is no need to wait for the sign, it is almost near. Nak pecah tu (It is about to break)”-Anonymous
By Ibankyntiew Mawrie
Forty one years have passed since the state
of Meghalaya attained its statehood in 1972 and in every five years, people of the state have actively participated in the electoral process by exercising their franchise.
In by-gone years whenever there is an election in the State, there is a high level of excitement amongst the people expressing their support for their respective political parties and candidates of their choice.
It may be recalled that during the years of yolk, the excitement would often lead to heated arguments between the supporters promoting their own candidates and parties trying to prove that their candidates are better than the others and to even further pledge their allegiance, various hues and colours of party flags were seen fluttering from roof tops.
The fluttering party flags not only bring in the election mood but also adds colour to a festive-like occasion.
However, this kind of excitement has suddenly seemed to be dampened by something unknown. With just barely 12 days for the state to go into poll on February 23, the excitement in most constituencies in Shillong and its adjoining areas is yet to pick up with only subtle electioneering going on. The songs and dances are yet to take tempo.
The electorates in most constituencies seem to have lost interest in the election process, the reasons of which could either be the ‘I don’t bother’ attitude of the electorates, who care less on who gets elected to the State Assembly or taking into consideration the level of awareness among the electorates, it could be that no one wants to show their support and prefer to keep it to themselves.
However, on entering the borders of Shillong West constituency, one would really feel that there is an election going on in the State of Meghalaya. In this constituency, despite the restrictions imposed by the Election Commission of India, the people of the constituency took the pain to acquire permissions from their Returning officer expressing no objection to erect party flags from their respective residence and business establishments.
The sporting of party flags, expressing support to their candidates though however, sometimes brings in ill will and bad feelings amongst the people residing in the area but they were of the opinion that the sporting spirit in the election should be kept alive since it is an occasion where people get a chance to exercise the democratic rights which comes only once in five years. So overall, a little glitter does enliven a place.
As much as the support and hope flows in from various section of society, it is the supreme duty of a candidate, if elected, to uphold to his promises and win the hearts of many by implementing what he once assured of and bring in the much needed change, so desired by the people who are excited to see a new beginning.
Like Mahatma Gandhi says, “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men.”