CCEM Chairman Rev Vezopa Rhakho speaking at consultative meeting on CEM in Kohima on July 29. (Morung Photo)
Chakhesang organisations affirm Clean Election Movement
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 29
In a significant development, the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), Chakhesang Hoho Kohima (CHK) Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA), Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU and Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has given its endorsement for positive outcomes of Clean Election Movement (CEM) in Nagaland.
Making a verbal endorsement to CEM here today, they assured to stand with Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM) during a consultative meeting with CHK, civil societies and church leaders, organized by CCEM at Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima.
“We stand with CCEM. It is a good cause. We endorse and support the movement,” said CPO Vice President, Ezekowe K Tara while joining others- CHK, CMA, CSU and CYF in support of the movement.
It may be recalled that identifying the menace of electoral mal-practices as one of “the causes of our ailing society,” the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to CEM.
NBCC launched CEM in 1972 during its 36th general session.
The next state general election in Nagaland is slated in the early part of 2023.
‘CEM is slowly and gradually gaining momentum’
CCEM Chairman, Rev Vezopa Rhakho said that CEM is the social responsibility of the church and is neither against any candidates nor any political parties.
He said that civil societies have a great role to play particularly in reducing election related conflicts or problems and promoting a peaceful electoral environment.
He maintained that CEM is slowly and gradually gaining momentum through the prayer of many believers who longs to see a positive change.
Acknowledging the presence of the church leaders, CPO, CHK, CMA, CSU and CYF in today’s consultative meeting, he said, “We seek your support and support of all people to bring about real change in this election process corrupted by us.”
Rev Rhakho informed that the CCEM team has undertaken tours at the different levels and observed that many people are longing for positive change in our society.
Many assured their unflinching support to CCEM and to stand by Biblical and clean election principles, he said.
‘High time to clean our social practices’
Mikha Lomi, former deputy commissioner Phek and CCEM member said “Our society has been badly infected by all sorts of evil practices and now we cannot defeat evil forces unless we firmly stand together and fight on war footing.”
We cannot afford to remain silent without facing the reality when all sorts of malpractices are surrounded us; he said and sought the support of the civil societies to make this CEM a success.
When we see the present scenario in our society, the crimes are committing knowingly, because of the lust of money, he said adding “Moral values, Christian principles and elections laws are intentionally trampled for gratification.”
Regretting that the evil practices, starting from the abuses of the electioneering system and corruption have become the way of life, he said, “It is high time for us to clean our social practices and witness the Lord with true spirit.”
‘Conscience vote is the purest tools in democracy’
CHK President, Theja Therieh maintained that conscience vote is the purest tools in democracy, which would determine the governance.
In terms of vote for cash, he said, buyers and sellers are both ‘murderers of democracy.’
He said that clean election may not see sudden change overnight but the church should continue to take clean election as a mission and continue to create awareness.
Church must play the role of reformer and social reformation, he added.
Earlier, the consultative meeting was led by Rev Dr Nüvocho Dziido while Rev Dr Wepre Mero invoked God’s blessing.
The CCEM has conducted similar consultative meeting with civil societies and church leaders under Western Chakhesang Hoho on July 28 at Western Chakhesang Baptist Church Council Mission Centre, 7th Mile in Chümoukedima district.
