Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 26
Recognizing that people in Nagaland are hungry for change, the Aoyimti Baptist Church in collaboration with Aoyimti Village Council organized a one-day seminar on ‘Clean Election’ at Aoyimti Baptist Church on Saturday. The event was initiated by the Youth Ministry of the Aoyimti Baptist Church in response to the NBCC’s call for ‘Clean Election’, Editor of Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir and Associate Professor at the Oriental Theological Seminary, Dr. Pangernungba, were the speakers at the seminar.
The day-long seminar also adopted several resolutions which included formation of the Aoyimti Clean Election Action Committee (ACEAC) with members from Aoyimti Village Council, Aoyimti Watsu Telongjem, Aoyimti Ao Lanur Telonjem, Aoyimti Students’ Union, Aoyimti Baptist Church and ABA Youth Ministry, comprising of 11 members.
It was affirmed that the ACEAC will be endorsed with full authority to execute the following resolutions; and it would provide a common platform to all the intending candidates to deliver the political campaign speech.
The seminar resolved that all intending candidates will be provided a pledge form to sign for a clean and fair election during the common platform speech; setting up of political parties’ base camps within Aoyimti Village jurisdiction will be prohibited; use of intoxicants and anti-social activities will be totally prohibited during the election; and distribution of gifts and money by political parties will be stringently prohibited.
It was further resolved that denizens of Aoyimti will not sell their vote for cash or kind to any intending candidates or their associates; that one person one vote will be strictly maintained; and every effort would be made to restrain from engaging in any form of election malpractices outside of Aoyimti village.
While asserting that the practice of proxy voting will be sternly prohibited, it was agreed upon that on polling day, refreshment will be arranged by the ACEAC for the polling officers, presiding officers, polling agents and ushers. No other political parties will be allowed to serve/arrange refreshment/feast, and a whole year sensitization programme will be conducted by the Church.
K Temjen Jamir, Editor of Tir Yimyim, stressed on the need to elect the right person, so that good governance in Nagaland becomes a reality.
He defined the right candidate as one who is God fearing, educated, with patriotism, integrity, selflessness and one who can express her/his opinion in the assembly.
Jamir advised against electing someone who defies customary and moral laws; who contests elections to only make money; someone who is arrogant, dishonest and violent, and cannot express their views in the assembly.
He stated that in a democratic election, irrespective of socio-economic status everyone has equal rights to elect their leaders, with the freedom of choice according to their own conscience. He asked people to know their candidates before voting so that their vote can bring about a desired change in leadership.
Jamir meanwhile cautioned against the evils of the election process, pointing to fictitious, under age and multiple entries in electoral rolls, proxy voting, buying of votes, interference to voting rights etc.
Dr Pangernungba, Assistant Professor, Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) meanwhile lamented that there is no shared vision and common goal amongst the Nagas. He pointed to division, confusion, enmity, jealousy, mistrust and insecurity as “social cancers” which has led Naga society into uncertainty.
Urging for a culture of dialogue instead of a culture of monologue, Dr Pangernungba said there are too many versions of Nagaland that lacks shared space and common platform for Nagas. Stating that people are hungry for change and that the youth have become restless, he suggested forming a working team on clean elections which would be empowered to lead the movement.
