ABAM and YBBA CEM representatives during the exchange programme on October 13.
Shamator, October 15 (MExN): The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) and Yimkhiung Baptist Boru Amukhungto (YBBA) Clean Election Movement (CEM) exchange programme was held on October 13 at Shamator.
The programme was attended by the representatives of ABAM CEM, YBBA CEM, Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC), Women, and the Students’ Union, according to a press release on Friday.
Addressing the programme, ABAM Executive Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener said that the ‘crookedness’ of electioneering system in Nagaland which had halted progress can be obliterated only by practicing truth during the election. Therefore, the CEM is a direction towards maintaining the true Christian disciplines which sees no human status but locates the true character of the person while electing leaders, he said.
As per the release, ABAM CEM representatives stated that election in Nagaland has been deteriorating Nagas in all corners. “Our livelihood is being under challenge, which is a direct outcome of leadership crises,” the release stated while pointing out that the “urgent need for the Nagas is to elect God-fearing, visionary, and persons with character, not managers.” The representatives further called on the people to “abide by the rules and maintain a fair and clean election by saying no to money, power, and employment promises.”
In response, the YBBA, YTC, women, and Students’ Union stated their determination to work for a fair and clean election at any cost. Referring to mal-practices during the election, they said, economic instability is one big reason for mal-functioning. Yimkhiung tribal leaders opined that success significantly depends on how determined and committed the church is and “If the church can give total commitment then, change is very near,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, ABAM acknowledged the YBBA and all civil societies “for the significant achievement by bringing a total consensus for the by-election” and hoped that more success would be seen in the 2023 Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election.
