Zunheboto, August 3 (MExN): As part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Roll 2026, the District Election Officer's (DEO) Office, Zunheboto, has announced the SVEEP Guitar Instrumental Contest to encourage youth participation and spread awareness on electoral registration through music.
The contest, organised under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, will provide young musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent while promoting voter awareness. Participants will stand a chance to win an acoustic guitar along with several other exciting prizes.
According to the announcement, registration will commence from August 4 onwards. Interested participants may register by contacting 7005659143 or 7085203041, or by sending a direct message to the District Election Office Zunheboto Instagram page.
As per the terms and conditions, the contest is open to indigenous inhabitants of Zunheboto up to 21 years of age, including those residing outside the district for education or employment. If participation is low, the upper age limit may be relaxed up to 24 years. Applicants must submit soft copies of their Indigenous and ST certificates, Date of Birth certificate, and a passport-sized photograph during registration.
Participants are required to record an instrumental performance using an acoustic or electric guitar, tag the District Election Office Zunheboto Instagram page, and follow @ceonagaland. Backing tracks are permitted. Video entries will be accepted from August 15 to August 25.
Following the online round, 10 contestants will be shortlisted for the grand finale, which will be held at the DC's Conference Hall on September 19. Finalists must bring their own guitars and accessories, while organisers will provide output speakers for backing tracks.
Contestants have been advised to ensure good audio and video quality, avoid offensive content or commercial promotion, and caption their posts with the artist's name, song title, and the phrase "THIS IS MY ENTRY FOR DEO Zunheboto SVEEP Guitar Challenge." The decision of the judges will be final, and the DEO's Office reserves the right to cancel the competition if fewer than 10 participants register.
Entries will be evaluated based on social media engagement (likes, shares, and tags), as well as musical timing, clarity, and live performance, with additional bonus points awarded to contestants performing instrumental pieces from a prescribed list of renowned artists.
