Odisha Election Watch Conducts 13th State Convention
Bhubaneswar: “The politicians or political parties cannot purchase votes if the voters are not available ‘to be sold’. Electoral malpractices are deep rooted. Those can be controlled only if the voters are aware about their rights and the consequences of cash-for-vote practice,” said Founder and Chairman of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Prof Trilochan Sastry at the 13th State Convention of Odisha Election Watch (OEW) at IDCOL Auditorium here on Monday.
In his welcome address, Coordinator of OEW Ranjan Kumar Mohanty
described the activities of the forum and its network across the
state. Stating that the main goal is to bring required political and
electoral reforms and promote free and fair election, Mohanty added that the mission can be achieved and faith on democracy restored with active participation of all stakeholders. The inaugural session was chaired by former Chief Secretary and core team member of OEW Sahadev Sahoo, who emphasized on more turn out in ethical voting and increased youth participation in the voting process which can bring a great change. OEW is a part of National Election Watch, a nationwide movement of civil society that began in 2002.
