KOHIMA, JUNE 21 (MExN): With the approaching Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election scheduled on June 26, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) appealed to the candidates and voters to avoid playing partisan politics and vote without influence while advocating for ‘One Person One Vote.’
In a press statement, NBCC General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said now is an appropriate time for the candidates to demonstrate “God-given leadership by being cognizant of the obligation to serve the community.”
Similarly, voters have an equal responsibility to pray before casting their votes in order to pick whoever they believe would do the best job for the ward/colony where they live. “We shouldn't be influenced by speech alone. Whoever is concerned about the colony and can perform should be chosen to represent you. Commitment, dedication, and concern for the colony should be the standard,” the NBCC stated.
“Selecting the best candidate for you and your colony in this ULB election is a privilege. Your community's change will be greatly aided by the leaders you select. We have had great difficulty implementing development at the local level for a very long period.
It's time to seize this chance to improve the development of our ward and neighborhood,” it went on to state.
The NBCC said crooked elections have been a long-standing problem and gave rise to the blame game and nasty party politics.
“By hook or crook in politics must be done away with. We must give space to God and the people to make the right choice based on capability and ability. If we want to see change, we must start at the grassroots level, and now is the time. As voters, we are frequently blamed at the end of the game, and we must accept the blame without recourse. If we are aware of our power, we can vote correctly with a single vote,” it said.
It appealed all to exercise their franchise with dignity and pride to choose the right leader to represent the respective wards for the benefit of the community.
