By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 25: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to adopt stringent measures in the enrolment of voters, citing concerns over the unregulated movement of individuals into Meghalaya.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne on Tuesday said the party has already submitted a formal representation to the Commission, urging stricter scrutiny during the preparation of electoral rolls.
“We have appealed to the ECI to adopt stringent measures when enrolling individuals in the electoral rolls. We have reiterated this demand through a detailed representation,” Chyne told reporters.
He said the party has also written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) highlighting the need to factor in the concerns of the Rangbah Shnong, noting that existing guidelines already require “local authorities” to identify voters in every locality and village.
However, Chyne pointed out that the CEC has not clearly defined who these local authorities are, even though the Rangbah Shnong are already recognised under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. District Councils also have specific Acts that define their powers and roles.
The UDP leader said that given their established authority and involvement in governance, the Government of India and the Election Commission should formally acknowledge the Rangbah Shnong as the competent authority to verify voters at the local level.
Chyne added that the government regularly involves the Dorbar Shnong and Rangbah Shnong in implementing schemes and developmental programmes. “If they are trusted in administrative work, their role must also be recognised in the voter identification process,” he said.
He stressed that recognising the Rangbah Shnong would help prevent illegal or dubious voter registrations, especially in areas where tenant movement is high. House owners are required to inform the Dorbar Shnong about tenants residing in their premises, he noted.
Chyne warned that the issue is particularly sensitive in tribal localities, cosmopolitan areas, and border regions, with Shillong facing increasing challenges related to voter enrolment.
