‘Clean Election can be a reality in Nagaland’

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 22

A total of 16 college students today debated if ‘Clean Election can be a reality in Nagaland’ during the 12th intercollegiate debate annually organised by Sazolie College, Jotsoma at the college auditorium.  

Quoting Joel Osteen “Your words become your reality,” Yinjun C. Naam from Kohima Science College believed that it will take time but Clean Election can be a reality in Nagaland because the movement has already begun, pointing out former candidates like Huzo Meru and Kekhrie Yhome, and the declaration of Mangkonglemba village to adhere to Clean Election.  

Imlitemjen from Mt. Olive College however pointed out that Clean Election is not possible in Nagaland because there are no righteous leaders. Refuting his comment, Pusho Chuba from Kohima College stated if there were no righteous leaders in Nagaland today, the Clean Election campaign would never have been initiated.  

“Our leaders are not ready for Clean Election,” said Chonbemo Y. Ezung, Sazolie College speaking against the motion. “We have potholes in winter and fisheries in summer. We have four lanes and two lanes but in reality we have no lanes,” humoured Ezung, adding that the Clean Election Campaign might face an almost similar tragedy like the failed NLTP Act.  

A hopeful Krosü Hesu from Sazolie College stated that Clean Election can be a reality firstly because “the mindsets are changing.” Secondly, the numerous initiatives being taken up by the church bodies, villages, and organisations are positive signs of the possibility of Clean Election. “We are not just talking about 2018 election; we are talking about a long term process. The fact that it has already started, it is possible. The obstacles are gigantic but if God is for us who can be against us,” asserted Hesu.  

Questioning the practicality of Clean Election in a State mired in regional politics where ‘emotions run high’, Rosemary Mero from Pfutsero Government College noted, “The only lesson from Clean Election is that we have learnt nothing from the old elections.” Critical of the leaders and representatives the Naga electorates keep choosing, Mero satirically said, “It’s like the roads which are no thicker than the makeup small girl’s use. Our politicians are like cheap products offered before us. We don't know how to choose and suddenly when it pops up like an ad in the screen we go for the one that is delicious like Uncle Chips, Bingo, Lays, which are all bad for our health.”  

To say that Clean Election is possible is impractical because there is clansman, tribalism, and money power, viewed Mhathozho A. Khizho from St. Joseph's College, Jakhama. Making a mention on the exorbitant financial expenses in the past elections, Khizho questioned where the Clean Election was when so much money was spent. Khizho pointed out that the number of voters enrollment is higher than the actual population in Nagaland and with starting of election campaigns the price of vote is also rising.  

Expressing the possibility of Clean Election, Seyiesituo Thur viewed that Clean Election can be a reality when we change our thought process. “I know of no movement or revolution which has not got what they wanted. Today is the day that we make a choice for tomorrow, so why don't we make a choice for clean and fair election,” said Seyiesituo.   Stressing that in the past, the Naga political parties chose candidates with moral integrity and principle, Seyiesituo remarked, “This took place in Nagaland and it can happen once again.”  

Debating against the motion, Zaleve Vese from Baptist College viewed that Clean Election is not possible looking at the sorry situation in Nagaland where the main way to rule is money power. “We have given too much power to the politicians that they are now controlling us and we don't have a voice anymore. Absolute power begets absolute corruption. Even if you say Clean Election with your mouth, your heart is after money,” stated Vese.  

Krosü Hesu, Sazolie College, Jotsoma; Rosemary Mero, Pfütsero Govt. College, Pfütsero and Yinjun C. Naam, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma were declared first, second and third winners respectively.