Statement by the Church & Nagaland Legislators
• Lead and take the responsibility of putting in place a fair and honest electoral practice • Pledge to support and abide by Clean Election Campaign that is being spear-headed by the Churches in Nagaland
NBCC holds colloquium with Nagaland legislators on Clean Election Campaign
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 29
In an effort to engage with the “people in power” on the fight for clean election, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) held a colloquium on the Clean Election Campaign (CEC) with Nagaland legislators in the presence of NGOs of Nagaland on Wednesday.
Terming the CEC as an uphill battle but a worthy fight, NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, expressed that the church is not playing politics by trying to usher in free and fair election in a system that has gone weary, but, “It is a Holy discontent movement” where everyone with a sense of reason, ethics and emotion understands that something is not right in our context when it comes to electioneering process.
Keyho also urged the gathering to stop the blame game where the politicians blame the constituents and the constituents blame the politicians.
“For those who are at the helm of power we must take the responsibility to set the system right. We must learn to listen not only with our ears but also with our intellect, our heart and our eyes. We must not think that people are complaining unnecessarily and take them lightly. They are speaking their mind because the system has failed them. We have broken our promises, we have forgotten them,” asserted Keyho.
He said it is now in the hands of the leaders to spin the wheel to positivity by speaking the truth and doing what is right.
Will leave no stones unturned to ensure clean election: TR
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, while welcoming the initiative of the NBCC, noted that the issue of electoral malpractices is an issue of colossal magnitude confronting every one and requires collective wisdom. Zeliang claimed that his government is prepared to leave no stones unturned in ensuring that clean election is taken. In this context, Zeliang said the government would need the active support and cooperation of NBCC and all NGOs, hohos and students/ youth organizations in dealing with this issue.
The Chief Minister also drew certain lines on the extend the church ought to go in the election process. Zeliang suggested that the church should refrain from indiscriminate involvement in checking distribution of cash by candidates/agents beyond the ECI prescribed limits; assisting and participating in social policing and enforcement of the prohibition act including substance abuse by voters during elections; restrictions on church workers from participating in any election related activity/gatherings including dedicatory prayer services.
The Chief Minister said proactive role should be played by church workers and the pulpit should be used more in disseminating the message of clean, ethical and informed voting.
During the colloquium, legislators in attendance also discussed and spoke on the issue of clean election, its effectiveness and the setbacks with the system as well as the electorates.
Neiba Kronu viewed that if there is no double or triple enrollment, and if the final electoral roll is clean then there will be less conflict. Meanwhile CM Chang expressed doubt if the CEC is effective in rural areas where poverty is at its peak.
“The intending candidates will be made untruthful because of the people who are asking for money,” said Chang while appealing the churches to educate the public on the clean election.
As leaders, we have to change first: Sazo
Perhaps an honest admission was delivered by Chotisüh Sazo who said, “As leaders, we have to change first.” Although the CEC cannot expect 100 percent achievement, Sazo stated that the campaign must continue and be supported.
Pointing a few positive changes since the onset of CEC, Sazo noted that in the last election his constituency worked towards a cleaner election by banning the flow of liquor to some extent, reducing feasts during elections etc.
Sazo also stressed on checking of multiple entries which, according to him, is the beginning of the electoral corruption. While acknowledging the church on the clean election movement, Sazo however pointed out that the church has been silent on certain malpractice in election campaign which has already begun.
“I have seen, candidates have started distributing money to the voters and the church has been silent. So when are you going to start? There is no sign of following up on the pledges. Deacons has started resigning and started campaigning. We need to aim beyond the election. Even after election, some voters come and ask for vote shares instead of development,” stated Sazo.
Speeches on behalf of NBCC and CEC were delivered by Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyü and Hekani Jakhalu.
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