SHILLONG:
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), on February 1, reminded the people that the election is not a festival of freebies or sponsored picnics – “Election is real.”
Addressing the media in Shillong, HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said with elections just around the corner, there is a need for people to be well-informed and aware of the true definition of an election.
To achieve this goal, the HYC is launching a campaign titled – Rai Eh-Daw from the 6th of this month.
“Election is not a mean for people to get free booze or free food. It is not an opportunity for the youths to ask money from candidates to go for picnics,” he said.
According to him, the right to vote is not for free as much has gone into ensuring that the present generation gets the right to exercise their franchise.
“Our Hillstate movement leaders have sacrificed for Meghalaya; our freedom fighters gave their lives for a sovereign nation – a right to vote,” he added.
Furthermore, he explained that the election is where we hand over the right to govern and make policy to the people whom we elect.
“So if we hand over power to the representatives based on freebies, we will put ourselves and the next generation in danger,” he added.
Appealing to the people to choose wisely, Kharjahrin said the state needs leaders who will see that issues are resolved and that clean politics and transparent government are maintained.
“We hope to see sincere, well-informed and well-educated politicians because only then will Meghalaya’s unresolved problems and aspirations see the light of day,” he added.