Committee members of the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement at the formal launch of Clean Election Campaign, Pfutsero on September 8. (Photo Courtesy: CCEM)
Chakhesang CEM launches campaign ahead of 2028 Nagaland assembly polls
Pfutsero, September 8 (MExN): The church and civil societies backed Clean Election Campaign was launched on Tuesday urging voters in the Chakhesang region to reject vote-buying and other electoral malpractice, with organisers saying the community’s once-valued culture of honesty has eroded.
The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM), supported by the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, launched the Clean Election Campaign at the Pioneers’ Complex in T Chikri, Pfutsero on September 8. Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), launched the campaign before representatives from church groups, women’s associations, youth fronts, student unions and village councils.
“The community’s once-celebrated culture of integrity and honesty has faded, with unfair practices have become the new normal,” Rev Dr Cho-o told the gathering. He urged people to reverse course, adding, “right even when no one is doing it, and wrong is wrong even when everyone is doing it.” Christians, he said, must align with these values.
According to Rev Dr Kuzhopoyo Tunyi, CCEM Chairman, “The movement is neutral and does not support any political leaders or party. One of the main objectives is to strongly oppose buying and selling of votes during election.” The movement was formally established in 2017, though the clean election campaigns in the district have been going on much earlier, he informed.
While acknowledging that the goal cannot be achieved overnight, Rev Dr Tunyi said the movement has made measurable progress, with “20 to 30% has been achieved in the previous years.” He cited examples including individuals voluntarily deleting multiple entries from electoral rolls and a decline in the practice of enrolling underage voters “which was practice in the past.”
Neiko Akami, member secretary of Nagaland Legal Services Authority, spoke on legal awareness, explaining provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1954, which governs elections in India. He called on citizens to enhance their knowledge of the laws. “People must ensure the government is made to govern and that there is accountability for every vote,” Akami said.
A Clean Election song in the local Chokri-Chakhesang dialect, composed by Rev Dr Tunyi, was released at the event. A Nagamese version had been released earlier during the NBCC formal launching of Clean Election Movement.
Leaders from various community organizations voiced their support. Vezuhu Keyho, president of Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), stressed that the movement is for all religious denominations, not limited to Christians, and encouraged church leaders and workers “to continue preaching the values of integrity and honesty to their members.”
Zhonelu Tunyi, president of Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA), directed criticism at voters themselves. “Voters should rethink their actions before criticizing elected leaders for a lack of development,” she said. “Voters are equally to blame when they sell their votes.”
Kevesa Khamo, president of Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), called on people to actively participate rather than remain spectators. Povozo Soho, president of Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU), cautioned that “the flow of alcohol and easy money is the first step toward corruption” and urged people to choose the right candidates, adding that societal change begins with the individual.
Representatives from various churches under Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Catholic Church, CPO, CMA, CYF, CSU as well as village council chairmen and village leaders, attended the launch programme and “agreed to the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement.”
The next assembly elections in Nagaland state are due in 2028.
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