Pfütsero, March 13 (MExN): The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM) “while fully recognizing the deep commitments and visions of all the contested candidates to work for the ultimate welfare of the society” has appealed to all the newly elected MLAs from Phek district to give their best in taking the community forward in all aspects of life and to a better future.
The CCEM in a statement issued by its Core Committee Members prayed that the Clean Election Movement will continue to make a significant impact upon the society and urged all to imbibe the values and spirit of the movement in everyday living “thereby demonstrate the true Christian life and witness to the rest of the world.”
Meanwhile, it expressed gladness over reports that much of the electoral malpractices were contained to a great extent through the Clean Election Movement in the recent State general election. On the other hand, CCEM was pained to acknowledge several reports of electoral malpractices and breach of Clean Election pledges by certain individuals and parties.
“However, it is our prayer that the much electoral challenges, experiences and insights we have gained during this election time would continue to prepare our people towards attaining peaceful, sustainable and holistic development of our society in the days to come,” the statement said.
It recounted that ahead of the election “thousands of volunteers” in response to the clarion call of Clean Election Movement and showing solidarity and commitment to the Clean Election Guidelines displayed white flags in their respective homes and also signed clean election pledges under the supervision of the CCEM.
“As a result, the CCEM is much encouraged to note several testimonies and reports of success stories of Clean Election. For instance, some individuals, families refused to accept money or return money offered to them, some village authorities were able to refrain or keep their voters from the usual practice of proxy voting in their villages/colonies,” the Movement noted.
On the polling day, it said, most of the pastors and church leaders led prayer before voting took place in their respective polling stations and some churches even offered refreshment to the voters and polling officials on duty.
CCEM is a conglomeration of Chakhesang Public organisation, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Students’ Union, Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang GBs’ Association and church organisations representing Assembly of God, Pentecostals, Christian Revivals and CBCC. It was officially launched in Pfütsero on March 16, 2017 with the sole objective of upholding and ensuring Clean Election Guidelines initiated by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for the 13th Nagaland general election.
Accordingly, the CCEM came out with 18 specific election guidelines and began to engage itself in advocating, sensitizing and conscientizing all concerned on Clean Election through various platforms in all villages and towns under the Chakhesang jurisdiction, the statement said. For proper co-ordinations and effective implementation of the Clean Election Guidelines, series of leadership meeting were organised at various levels for Core Committees, political party workers, candidates and church workers, it added. Common platforms were organised for all the candidates in all the constituencies under Phek district.
The statement was appended by Dr. Küzhopoyo Tünyi, Convener; John Lohe, Co-convener (CPO); Zhonelü Tünyi, Co-convener (CMA); Solhou Koza, Co-convener (CCCRC); Venyizo Khusoh, Co-convener (Assembly of God); Zapolhu Nyekha, Co-convener (Naga Pentecost); Zadulhu Phuswuo, Co-convener (GBs Association); Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo, Ex-officio (CBCC).
