Reverends and Pastors from the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm came together to offer prayers for the two intending candidates, Wanglem Konyak of Congress and Wangpang Konyak of NDPP, ahead of the upcoming 43 Tapi Assembly Constituency bye-election. The prayer event took place at the KBBB’s Mission Centre Baptist Church, Mon on November 4.
Mon, November 4 (MExN): The Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm (KBBB), in line with the NBCC Clean Election Movement, held a common platform event for the upcoming 43 Tapi Assembly Constituency bye-election at the Mission Centre Baptist Church on November 4. The event was attended by all the pastors, along with a few deacons and church elders from 15 villages.
In his welcome speech, Rev L Metjen reminded the two intending candidates to uphold Christian principles even after the result is declared.
During his key note address, Rev A Peihwang emphasized the importance of adhering to the election code of conduct and Christian moral principles on the polling day. He also expressed his belief that despite criticisms, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Kohima Clean Election Movement has a positive aspect.
Both of the intending candidates, Wanglem Konyak of Congress and Wangpang Konyak of NDPP, were given ten minutes each to share their visions.
Both candidates assured that if given the chance to represent 43 A/C Tapi, they would do their best for the welfare of society, as per a KBBB release.
Rev T Honlong, Pastor of Mission Centre Baptist Church, delivered a short message from Romans 13:1, emphasizing that it is God who establishes governing authorities. He explained that people must regard their leaders, as they are chosen by God, and both people and leaders are subject to God’s sovereign will.
Following this, the reverends and pastors present gathered to lay their hands on the two candidates and prayed for them.
Campaigning to wrap up on Sunday
Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland, Vyasan R on Saturday notified that the campaigning period for the bye-election the 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency (AC) will conclude at 4 PM on November 5.
In this connection, the CEO also stated that there would be a prohibition on public meetings during the forty-eight hours leading up to the conclusion of the poll.
Following the closure of the campaign period, the CEO issued a directive stating that political functionaries and party workers, who do not belong to the constituency but have been brought from outside, should not remain present in the constituency.
The continued presence of such party workers or functionaries after the end of the campaign period could potentially disrupt the atmosphere required for a free and fair poll, he highlighted in a notification.
To enforce this, the District Election and Police Administration have been tasked with ensuring that all political functionaries leave the constituency immediately after the campaign period ends.
However, the CEO informed that the restriction would not apply to the office bearers of the political party who are in charge of the state.
These office bearers are required to declare their place of stay at the state headquarters, and their movements during this period will typically be limited to the party office and their place of stay, he added.
The directive is as per Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and any person “who contravenes this provision shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”
The bye-election the 43-Tapi AC is scheduled on November 7 and is poised for a 'straight' contest between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party’s Wangpang Konyak and Indian National Congress’ Wanglem Konyak.
The counting of votes is on December 3.
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