33/2024-2025 

Aizawl, 16.04.2024: As poll day for the General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 approaches, a SVEEP Street Awareness Campaign was held last night (15.04.2024) at Zemabawk which was attended by over a hundred youths from the vicinity. Zemabawk is one of the low voter turnout areas within Aizawl district in the last MP election.

District Election Officer, Aizawl District Pi Nazuk Kumar, IAS spoke on the impact youth can have in shaping the future of India and preserving democracy, and encouraged the gathering to be acquainted with the election process since ‘youths of today are the future of the country’. Addressing the seeming presence of urban apathy due to Mizoram having only one candidate in the parliamentary elections, the DEO, also the Returning Officer for Mizoram parliamentary constituency emphasized on the difference one person can make in any situation, and even more so due to their position as an MP. Highlighting the peaceful and disciplined nature of elections in Mizoram, the DEO added that elections in Mizoram are worthy of being emulated and studied by other states.

In this SVEEP Street Awareness Campaign programme, Pi C. Laltleipuii, Nodal Officer, SVEEP Aizawl District gave keynote address, highlighting the various SVEEP activities for this General Election and the purposes thereof. She added that voter turnout in Aizawl district, especially in urban areas tends to be lower than the state average, even in the last legislature election, and thus the need for awareness amongst urban dwellers.

The awareness programme saw speeches from Pu H. Rotluanga, Dinthar, a celebrity comedian/ performer and Pu John Lallawmkima, a local youth group leader in Zemabawk. The programme was chaired by Pi Lalhruaitluangi, SVEEP Asst. Nodal Officer and was concluded with a vote of thanks from Pi Emily Lalrinpuii, SVEEP SCCT Convener.