Northeast

Normal people becoming intellectually disabled in choosing right poll candidate: MHRC chairperson Khaidem Mani

Every citizen should take the responsibility to help ensure a free and fair election, Manipur Human Rights Commission chairperson Khaidem Mani said at the function of the 14th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 17 Oct 2021, 5:21 am

Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) chairperson Khaidem Mani (C) (PHOTO: IFP)
Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) chairperson Khaidem Mani (C) (PHOTO: IFP)

 

Expressing concern over voting rights being not exercised wisely by most of the people in Manipur, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) chairperson Khaidem Mani said the majority population have become intellectually disabled despite being physically normal as they are unable to use their thoughts in choosing the right candidate. He called upon every citizen to take the responsibility to help ensure a free and fair election.

The MHRC chairperson was addressing the launching function of 14th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign 2021 on Saturday at the MHRC office. The programme was organised by HD Foundation in collaboration with Chief Electoral Office, Lamphelpat, Imphal West.

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The main objective of the campaign is to make a barrier free environment in the society to bring people with disabilities into mainstream life.

Addressing the function, Mani said the society recognises people who are physically and mentally challenged as differently-abled people. However, normal people who are unable to make their own decisions and develop good thoughts are also the ones who can be considered as disabled.

Due to the inability to choose the right candidate in the state election, the state is suffering from many problems, he added.

Khaidem said the society will continue to face various forms of problems until and unless the voting system is changed to proportional representation of the electoral system. This may be achieved in the future as many political parties have started showing their interest in the new system.

However, until then, every citizen should take their responsibility in conducting the election in a free and fair manner.

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Joint chief electoral officer, Ramananda Nongmeikapam said that so far, around 7,000 people with disabilities (PWDs) were enrolled for the electoral roll. The state government is set to provide a ballot system to PWDs who find it difficult to commute. To make inclusive and barrier free elections for PWDs, all necessary steps would be taken up.

Whosoever is yet to enrol in the electoral roll should approach the authority concerned so that as many as PWDs can exercise their voting rights, he encouraged.

HD Foundation secretary general, Sapam Jasowanta said that compared to the years gone by, people’s attitude towards PWDs have changed. Like every normal being, PWDs also want to contribute to society and the government should think of formulating inclusive policy in every field, he added.

As a part of the programme, prizes for online extempore speech organised in connection with the 141th Birth Anniversary of Hellen Killer were also distributed.

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Khaidem Manimanipur electionMHRC chairpersonFortnight Barrier Free Campaign 2021

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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