Rengma Hoho officials with the ULB candidates for Tseminyu Town Council at the consultative meeting held on June 18 at the Rengma Hoho building in Tseminyu.
TSEMINYU, JUNE 19 (MExN): The Rengma Hoho held a consultative meeting with the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) candidates for the Tseminyu Town Council on June 18 at the Rengma Hoho building in Tseminyu. All 29 ULB candidates contesting for the Tseminyu Town Council introduced themselves and shared their visions for the community, a press release issued by Rengma Hoho stated.
Delivering the presidential address, Er Tesinlo Semy, President of Rengma Hoho emphasized the importance of beginning well, stating that "a work well begun is half done," and urged all candidates to unite in making Tseminyu not only a model district but also to conduct the ULB election as a model election.
Reflecting on the past, he noted that the controversial Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 had stalled progress for nearly two decades. However, with the recent amendments to the Act in 2023, a clear and promising path has been opened to conduct the ULB elections, signifying a new era of development and unity, he stated.
Semy also stressed the need for utmost fairness, integrity, and honesty in the election process, ensuring a peaceful environment. He implored every candidate to avoid misconduct, malpractice, intimidation, booth capturing, proxy voting, or violence, which could disrupt the voting process. He called for a conducive environment where votes can be cast freely and peacefully, avoiding divisions based on party lines, clans, villages, or regional affiliations.
He highlighted the crucial role of elected counselors, who must work in harmony with the ruling government and civil society organizations to bring about positive change.
Also commending the provision of 33% reservation for women in the election, reflecting the cultural ethos of gender equality and paving the way for more inclusive governance, Semy emphasized the importance of ensuring that women play a significant role in leadership.
Advisor of Rengma Hoho, Pollem Tep, spoke on the role of town counselors in local development. He outlined the crucial duties and responsibilities of the counselors, including formulating policies and planning and implementing rural housing, drainage and sanitation, solid waste management, colony roads, footpaths, and addressing environmental issues. President of Rengma Public Organisation Kohima, Gwanilo Himb, also addressed the gathering. He urged all candidates to refrain from malpractice or misconduct during the ULB Election and to conduct the election in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
Hithenlo Mesen, President, Kandi Public Union also spoke, emphasizing that the Rengma community should live together in unity in Tseminyu town without divisions based on village or range. Honche Kath, Head GB Tseminyu twon advised the candidates to refrain from any unfair means and to conduct the election in a fair and transparent manner.
A resolution was adopted to conduct a free and fair election without resorting to malpractice or unfair means, including forceful collection of voter slips, booth capturing, proxy voting, house-to-house visits threatening and intimidating voters, and using money or muscle power to influence the voting process. The meeting concluded with all ULB candidates taking a pledge in the name of God to uphold these principles. The event concluded with prayers for the candidates by Pastor Yhunthonlo Khing, followed by remarks from the chair and a vote of thanks by Anilo Rengma, Media Secretary, Rengma Hoho.
