Kohima, June 23 (MExN): The Clean Election Movement (CEM) of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today urged the citizens and candidates to maintain integrity and avoid corrupt practices in the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections scheduled across the State on June 26.
In a statement, NBCC highlighted the ongoing degradation of personal and societal values during elections in Nagaland, citing past instances where candidates were compelled to spend their resources on wining, dining, and entertaining voters.
This misuse of what should be a "festival of democracy" results in a tainted electoral process, where the winners often emerge from a compromised and disrespected system, it said.
However, the CEM acknowledged a positive shift during the 18th Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, noting there was less use of money, no reports of violence, and other related vices typically associated with election periods.
Nonetheless, as campaigning for the ULB elections intensify, the CEM maintained that it was reminiscent of the State Assembly election campaigns, where election process is one of the most easily abused instruments of political governance and management of society.
Nevertheless, as campaigning for the ULB elections intensifies, the CEM highlighted that that it reminiscent the State Assembly election campaigns, where the electoral process can be easily abused as a tool for political governance and societal management.
It likened this cycle of corruption to leeches sucking blood, calling for an end to the practice of election expenditures for feasting and buying votes.
Accordingly, the CEM NBCC called on voters to act on their conscience and vote for the most reasonable candidates without inducement or favour.
It also stressed that a vote cast with a clear conscience is invaluable and emphasised the need for voters to hold candidates accountable for their promises.
The NBCC also expressed concern over the growing partisanship in ULB elections, urging a shift towards community-oriented politics. They called on voters to reject bribery and election feasts, and to critically evaluate campaign promises.
The CEM also called upon the candidates, to reject myths and shallow truths, and instead, strive to become leaders marked by humility, truthfulness, and selflessness.
It also warned against the formation of socio-political-economic-moral black holes in society and called for a stand against money power and in favour of free and fair elections.
In the statement, the CEM underscored personal commitment to truth and dignity, which can lead to social cohesion and integrity, transcending personal and tribal interests as well as all sorts of –isms.
It also urged voters to choose candidates who promise continual improvement, growth, and democratic values.
