Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• It is said “Rome was not built in a day.” Things cant be changed overnight, but Nagaland clean election campaign has made much impact despite many evil practices among the candidates and campaigners. Nagas have come a long way in the electoral reform and will definitely see tremendous change in the near future.
• Yes, very much. With this campaign candidates are scared as they might get disqualification. However we can see that many people are hungry for money.
• Yes, you can see changes in this campaign that is less people involvement.
• Yes, the people’s intellect has been provoked for a positive change.
• They are but we lack UNITY.
• Yes. The church has done the best and in most effective way. Our prayers are heard and answered in his own ways.
• Yes to some extent. However it is still required and necessary to carry on seriously and consistently by the Churches of all denominations as a part of Christian teachings based on the Bible from time to time. Meanwhile, all the civil societies including Naga hoho and tribal hohos should also take up the same issue seriously as part of social and political reformation measures with all consistency.
• Clean election campaign has come as a wake up call for naga conscience at the right time. Yes, it has its impact and must continue.
• Definitely Yes! It may not be 100% but nevertheless the positive impact is obvious. The movement must gain momentum post-elections to ensure cleaner and fairer election when the next one comes around. Hats off to NBCC’s initiative!
• Yes, God is answering our prayers and definitely clean election campaign is affecting the election in a big way.
• Yes. A little bit. Seizures of wine, cash and arms in huge quantities may have averted many untoward incidents and unfair practices.
• Yes, it has been effective in reducing negative practices. Earlier such practices were rampant but this election news of negative practices are very few. Many are of the opinion that situation has been much peaceful because of this campaign.
• Yes. Definitely. At least if it changes just one person that will lead to a greater change for tomorrow.
• Yes, clean election campaign is working effectively in Nagaland. Every day seizing of money, liquor, arms and ammunitions and common platform speeches are some of the advancement.
• Clean election cant be totally ignored cause it played major role in Tuensang. All are aware of what is taught in the church.
• Yes, clean election campaign has a positive impact. It reduces setting up camps, less expenditures. Hope next election will be far better.
• Yes… very effective. There’s no free flowing of wine and open distribution of money. This campaign will be much improved in the next election.
• Yes, the clean election has already sensitized the general public that selling votes and booth capturing is a sin.
• Yes, the few camps are also calm this time. Liquor use is also reduced. No shouting of party slogans which unnecessarily creates tension.
• Praise God in pughoboto area no slogan, no mess, much has improved yet buying and sale of votes has to check well.
• Yes, because at this point of time we can’t expect 100%
• Yes, the churches response to the call of nbcc has been overwhelming. This has a positive impact upon the people.
• With regard to use of money by candidates cant be checked. But comparatively this election peoples movement is peaceful. Hence clean election campaign is effective till now.
• Clean election successful in banning of camps, liquor, slogan, buying of votes and so on. Hats off NBCC.
• Yes, 25% of the evil practices has been reduced.
• Yes, clean election campaign have proved to be very effective in reducing negative practices this election. I thank God for this.
• Yes, election process has become cleaner although still a long way to go.
• Yes, clean election has a strong impact in the minds of people for the first time in Nagaland.
• Yes. This election we find very few election camps unlike before. Pastors and deacons are not seen playing dirty politics.
• Yes. Clean elections campaign has really had an impact on our masses. There are very few takers to eat out of the election camps. Church leaders are not seen campaigning around and yes the atmosphere is as cool as ever as far as Kohima is concerned.
• Yes. To some certain extend is checking the candidates and many lives of the people are safe and many places under control.
• Yes. Clean elections is effective because no life is lost this time unlike last election. Use of alcohol is refused. Guilt has attacked people’s mind.
• Yes I believe NBCC clean election campaign has been very effective in reducing negative practices, election related violence and have achieved considerable landmark. I believe if we maintain the momentum till next general election, all evil practices will be eradicated completed from Nagaland.
• Yes to some extent, I believe, CEC has made a good impact this election. I am glad the churches are waking up to what they have been assigned for in indeed, the effective, fervent prayers of the righteous people is moving the very heart of God that the undesirable evil works prevailing in our land are being exposed. Those culprits should simply accept their wrongdoings, repent and live right before God.
• Yes, it has proved effective to a certain extent. We can hope that better leaders who sincerely care for development and all round upliftment of the people will be elected this time.
• Yes, no quarrelling, confrontation cause no youth camp, liquor flow restricted, no precession, no sound pollution, consistent and intensive education on this CEC bears fruit, prayer power felt, feel as if there was no election.
• Yes, without clean election development will not be there in state. Young talent and capable people will not get the opportunity because corrupt politicians can buy vote with their black money. Infact practice of spending so much money should be strictly banned. Any politician who spent huge money will never give priority for development rather stock for next election. Loser spoil their whole family by debts.
• Yes, it has pricked our people’s common conscience. It has reinforced our beliefs through vociferous campaign initiated by the church. Much left to be accomplished but it is also because of our people callousness and dangerous liaison with evil money.
• As a first time clean election campaign by NBCC, certainly yes to some extent it is successful. Some people may try to ignore it, but it has already implanted a seed of awareness and certainly those who took material benefits in this election surely their conscience will prick.
• Yes. People are less vocal. Probably because it is inversely proportional to the amount received with clean hands.
• Yes, its time that the church rise in every field, whaterver you name it. And as such NBCC and its youths is doing a great impact through this campaign. Praise God, and a big regard to each and every individual involved in this campaign.
• Thanks to NBCC for saving many Naga lives. Without the clean election campaign, Nagaland would be in a civil war like situation today.
• The malpractices are there which are unavoidable yet it has considerably lessened.
• The NBCC clean election campaign is being received with a bland of opinions and evaluations. Yet, awareness, realization and willingness for positive change is being motivated. The campaign has received decent introduction in the social stand. And even as we become consistently involved in encouraging cleaner election, we have faith through our work that a day will come when our state will become the model for free, fair and clean elections as is demanded by our democracy and is taught in Christian principles and morals.
• Yes, it was very effective. Personally speaking it has continuously reminded me to keep myself clean and not sell my birthright.
• Yes. But the problem with the society is ‘old habits die hard.’
• Yes. Needs more observers to observe every corner and practices.
• Yes. It has spoken to a very few people. We should not give up, it is the sign of starting change.
• Yes, rural people learn more about their voting right.
• Yes, to some extent. but it should continue with its movement till our goal is achieved. take step by step. even if man can not do anything, god can do.
• Yes somehow control comparing to last general election.
• So far as NBCC’s initiative and stand for clean election campaign is concern, we are doing our part much harder with fervent prayers, believing that God will do his part, gate has been removed, no electioneering procession, no particular camp has been installed in town or villages on election, people attend prayer walks for clean election. Nagas Christians must continue till Nagaland become total transformation.
• Because people slowly realising the good impact behind the objectives of NBCC. Even though this move is a big block for those who have a treacherous plan. However, NBCC with a lots of difficulties have come up beyond the expectation and broke the ignorance of the people and started getting the support and encouragement from the hard rock. One of most visible achievement is the seize of alcohol by blocking every exit.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• On the outside, the clean election campaign seems to be having some positive effects, but still a lot of work needs to be done. Most of the dirty work is happening at the night time, but that is the time that the NBCC and their volunteers are in deep slumber. No doubt the decrease of youth camps and other visible activities associated with elections have decreased, but one main area where NBCC is failing is on tackling with money. For NBCC to see that votes and not being sold and brought, they need to work at the night time, and also they have to work with people, who are not the church goers. So confining the campaign to the church has also been one limitation. If NBCC had done their homework much earlier, than I think the campaign would have been much more effective.
• Can scarcely notice its impact but still can hope for better outcome.
• No, because I feel that the clean election campaign was started quite late. It should have started from last year as early, before the different political parties started their campaigning and I observe that the clean election campaign circled only within the church that is why there is not much impact on the society as a whole. But we should continue this movement so that it will be effective in the next coming elections. Congratulations to the organizers of the clean election campaign for the great efforts.
• NBCC campaign for clean elections could not evoke must responses as politicians have amassed wealth without less bother about developments of the welfare of the electorate.
• NBCC alone cannot do, why don’t they involve NCRC, Catholic, etc… till today. No effect!! In election work. Only seen big words in newspaper.
• No, looks like more corruption. No wonder satan also working hard in the good work that is taken up
• No is the answer...ppl will not vote until n unless they get what/how money they want. The campaign becomes a joke for these 60 MLAs
• Politicians should be held responsible for apathy towards clean election by the electorates.
• The more the moollah, the more of followers. Luring the common ppl with money is a crime in itself, but in Nagaland everything is CHAALTA HAIN.
• One reason we dont see developments is due the money we take 4 votes. The Bosses bank the money 4 five yrs n ppl r satisfied with a few thousands n lakh of rupees.
• No, the use of money and muscle power is still practicing because of the delay of the clean election campaign and the promotion of documentary of free and fair election.
• Clean election campaign is not effective at all. Problem is arising more this election.
• Clean election campaign. Totally fail. Division among church member coming up.
• No, this is the first time with NBCC’s clean election campaign. It will take time.
• No. our election will never be clean unless the mindset of the Nagas change.
• No. it made the elections even dirtier.. its paving way for corruption among churches and division among people and parties
• A big NO! What clout does the NBCC really have on the general public? As long as there is this ism in our society, nothing gonna change. Even the church practices favoritism … in short they should practice what they preach.
• No, Because money power is still controlling everything.
• No. Clean election meant only for few people only.
• Because there is still money games, violent and gondaism is going on
• No. Any great change has to come from within. Forcing and coercing wont work. Each individual should change of their own will. No outside force will work.
• No! However, God is at to punish the disobedient. Because malpractice has been deep rooted in Naga society by the coming of election, killing and dominion against each other exist now and then, though 95% are xns, only filed nominal xns.
• No, because the campaign started little late when all the corruption was already started. The campaign circled among the church goers alone since the election mongers were all off in their field giving no heed for the clean and fair campaign. I feel the campaign is for a long term project not a short term. So I hope and believe it will be effective by the next, next elections.
• Clean election campaign? Sad truth … absolutely no impact. Lightning and thunder… followed by showers of money and violence.
• coz, still money matters to nagas not a better future or development. All yearn (one time benefits)
• N.p.f vote 4 me i vil give u money bt not security. Congress 4 me i vil give u money bt nt peace! And the only reason money s more power dn security n peace
• Some so called priest are actively involved.
• there are many cases of bribery and excess spend of money by the candiates in order 2 buy voters. this signifies there is free and fair election.
• Not at all in my opinion. Because 1) bribing is institutionalized. 2) campaigning is mere symbolic – cater to only a very small population 3) campaigners are hypocrites. However, through this campaign, some might have become more aware that many election practices are so wrong.
• For a clean election campaign to be successful, it has to go to the root of evil and that is money. We may stop alcohol, youth camps, etc, but as long as money is being spent to do negative things, the matter will not end. NBCC must stamp out the root of evil, which is the abuse of money in elections. If money expenditure can be curbed, the other activities will automatically be controlled. To curb money, NBCC must confront corruption. The only way for a clean and fair election is to root out corruption in Nagaland.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• Due to mass corrupted mindset of the voters, it could not penetrate much to effect free and fair election. However, it is also observed that this clean election campaign has found great impact on the part of the church workers in Rengma areas. Whether there be election or not the process of clean election campaign must continue. This is going to change the Naga society in the days to come.
• Cannot opine on a broader-general scale but yes perhaps to handful serious individual. I for instance to vote 4 the right candidate & not 4 money
• I accept the positive fruitful result of the campaign except how to eradicate the Church leaders enticing the voters with cash, kind and false promises which is the main root cause of all evils and is of a serious concern in our present Christian society.
• I think, Clean Election Campaign has brought out negative impact over the state instead it raises violence and the Bible is much opposed to Politics/policies. Bible tells us to pray rather, we should pray for right representatives to be elected for the good governance. The role of Christians in politics has now created havoc throughout the state. If my statement hurts anyone, please forgive.
• CEC is partial success. Force and coercion on.
• 90% success in controlling alcoholic related chaos. 10% in selling and buying votes. Next drive should be clean electoral roll.
• NBCC is fighting for clean election, will they come out clean or remain filthy and stinking after election continue to be parasite. Dear Nagas, uphold NBCC and pray for grace that they remain true to their words during election and also specially after election.
• Media people need to spread every corner of the state and collect all report which will be publicly advertised. Even the development money which come to state should be charged if politicians is not using money for the purpose. Our people need to educate the importance of development and industry set up.
• The malpractices are there which are unavoidable yet it has considerably lessened.
• It may not be able to stop the negative practices, but it brings the negative hidden practices to the surface so that people can know the truth and choose the right leader. Indeed the stand taken by NBCC for clean election might be the last warning from God before He deals with the people directly, who bear His name.
• The negative practices is still there and in bigger forms. Once we become a Committed Christian, it does not guarantee us that our life will become free from sin and so temptations. We will face them almost everyday. Clean election campaign is for an individual commitment and not for a church or village or group. Being a committed Christian, we can discern what is good and bad and in process we will choose what is good to mature as a Christian. While a nominal or a namesake Christian will not have the conviction to maintain their Christian faith and belief or maintain their integrity. They will be swayed here and there according the benefits of their selfish desire. Or they maybe the one who is promoting negatives practices to ensnare people like themselves. Due to the initiatives of clean election campaign, I have noticed that some of the ill practices which was very open till last election has been curbed or reduced .. like setting camps, roaming drunk and fighting in the streets (at least in kohima town ), openly distributing cash and kinds. While those things which are done in open before have reduced on the other hand people have become more smarter and now they have formed groups, so many types of groups ...like society group, colony group, prayer group, women group, village group, etc and demand huge amount of money from the candidate or even from both candidates. Some people will be in two or three groups. Some political analysis says this election will be one the most expensive and dirtiest in terms of money. Unless the NBCC campaign try to focus more on the individual to being a committed Christian first, it will be difficult to combat the evil and negatives things that surrounds us and tempts the half hearted Christians. Let me cite an example, the true love wait seminar has been attended by many youngsters and commitment has been signed by many people but it is only those who are truly a committed Christians have kept the commitment. Similarly here in clean election campaign, only those who are truly a committed Christian will be able to stand faithful in their commitment.
