Mangalore Diocese News

Report and pics: Canara Communication Centre

Madanthyar, June 22 : In an effort to foster political awareness and democratic participation among students, Sacred Heart English Medium School, Madanthyar, held its School Parliament Election for the posts of School Pupil Leader (SPL) and Assistant School Pupil Leader (ASPL) using Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) on June 22, 2024.

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.

Fr Deepak Leo D'Sa, the school headmaster, stated, "This election was conducted through our Electoral Literacy Club. Traditionally, we've used paper ballots, but this year, we wanted to introduce digital voting to the students."

The digital election was a success with the technical support from Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore.

Five candidates from Class 10 vied for the SPL position: Esa Gibson, Joshma Joyes, Liston Carl, Priyal Pais, and Saurav Shetty. Competing for the ASPL position from Class 9 were Asna, K. Shravani Baliga, and Rishon Lobo. Nominations were submitted on June 18, with a withdrawal period of one day, and the final candidates were announced on June 20. A public campaign was held on June 21.

To familiarize students with the digital process, a mock election was conducted on June 20. 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.

Advitha Shetty, one of the class 9 students remarked, "It was an exciting experience to vote digitally for the first time." Sheldon Andrade, one of the Class 7 students said, "The digital process was quick and easy. I felt like a real voter!"

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

Rishon Lobo, an ASPL candidate added, "Participating in this digital election was a great learning experience about democracy."

Around 478 students from classes 5 to 10 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, signed in, and had their fingers marked to indicate they had voted. Out of the 501 eligible voters, 23 students were absent from the school.

Liston Carl was elected as the SPL and Rishon Lobo as the ASPL for the academic year 2024-25.

Mrs Ida D'Cunha served as the Presiding Officer, with Mrs Ramyalatha Rai as the Assistant Presiding Officer. The first and second polling officers were Mrs Winny Lobo and Mallika, respectively. Mrs Shwetha K. and Mrs. Savitha Kumary operated as micro officers at the control unit, while Reema Verona Rodrigues served as the BLO. Fr Deepak DSa, Mr Jerald D'Souza and Mr Chidanand coordinated the event, with Mr Valerian Dsouza, Mr Manjunath and students from the Scouts maintained discipline at the polling room.