Associations' / Institutions' News

Report and pics: Canara Communication Centre

Manjeshwar, Jan 30 : In an effort to foster political awareness and democratic participation among students, St Mary's English Medium School, Kaliyur, Vorkady, held its School Parliament Election for the posts of School Pupil Leader (SPL), Assistant School Pupil Leader (ASPL), Speaker and Secretary using Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) on January 30, 2025.

This year, the school embraced digital technology by using two Android tablets for each election: one as a control unit and another as a ballot unit, facilitated by the 'Voting Machine' EVM software.

Sr Grace Mathias, the school Principal, stated, "This election was conducted through our Electoral Board. Traditionally, we've used paper ballots, but this year, we wanted to introduce digital voting to the students."

Ms Geetha Priya, the Coordinator for the School Parliament Election said, “The digital election was a success with the technical support from Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore.”

Two candidates from Class 9 vied for the SPL position: Abid Noushad and Prithvi. Competing for the ASPL position from Class 8 were Prapthi and Veeksha.

Anvitha and Gauthami contested for the post of School Parliament Speaker. Renisha Shiny and Reema Jane contested for the Post of Secretary.

Nominations were submitted on Jan 23, with a withdrawal period of 5 days, and the final candidates were announced on Jan 28. A public campaign was held on the same day.

To familiarize students with the digital process, a mock election was conducted on Jan 29. Rev. Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes emphasized the importance of elections, the digital voting method, and provided a practical demonstration.

"It was a joy to see the excitement among the students to participate in the digital election. They are gaining valuable insights into our political system and democratic rights," said Rev. Fr Anil Fernandes.

Sanvi, one of the class 8 students remarked, "It was an exciting experience to vote digitally for the first time."

Ryan, one of the Class 7 students said, "The digital process was quick and easy. I felt like a real voter!"

Prithvi, a SPL candidate, expressed, "The digital voting system made the election more efficient and transparent. Thanks to the management for this initiative"

Abid Noushad, an SPL candidate added, "Participating in this digital election was a great learning experience about democracy."

Anvitha, the speaker contestant said, “Through this digital voting system, I learnt the importance of fair elections.”

Gowthami, another contestant said, “The process of voting was very educational. It showed me how technology ensures accuracy in voting.”

Around 328 students from classes 4 to 9 participated in the election, casting their votes for their preferred candidates. Students arrived at the voting booth in their class order, presented their Aadhar cards and School ID Card, signed in, and had their fingers marked to indicate they had voted. Out of the 327 eligible voters, 26 students were absent from the school.

Prithvi was elected as the SPL and Veeksha as the ASPL, Anvitha as Speaker and Reema as secretary for the academic year 2025-26.

The investiture ceremony was followed in which outgoing school parliament members handed over their responsibilities to the newly elected School Parliament Members for the academic year 2025-26.

Mrs Geetha Priya served as the Presiding Officer, with Sr Winnie Dcosta as the Assistant Presiding Officer. The first and second polling officers were Mrs Sharada and Mrs Sharika respectively. Mrs Shwetha, Mrs Renuka, Mr Shiva Prasad and Mr Vijesh operated as micro-officers at the control unit.

Sr Sylvia Gonsalves coordinated the event, with students from Class maintaining discipline at the polling room.