The decision of the ruling Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) giving its approval for state funding of elections is indeed a welcome development and goes to show that the political will to cleanse the muddied poll process is there. The real test though will come about during the time of its implementation and whether political parties can follow the planned strictures both in letter and spirit. It goes without saying that one of the most important changes required in the present scheme of things is reforming the way elections are conducted. If this can be corrected, the cumulative effect will be felt on every sphere of society more importantly in the area of political and social morality.
It is very well known that elections are a time when the moral fiber of society is greatly weakened. The blatant use of money power makes it not only an expensive exercise but the damage it does to the individual, family and society remains irreparable. This is the reason why a reform in the poll process is almost a matter of life and death and the opportunity to address the issue should not be ignored. As such the current initiative by the Election Commission of India needs the support of the political parties and civil society in Nagaland. Now that the ruling NPF-Party has come out with its endorsement of the Election Commission’s suggestions for State Funding of Elections, the mass based civil society groups like the Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA and NBCC should work towards a public awareness campaign without delay in order for the concept to be made adaptable in time for the next Assembly Elections which is not very far off.
To contest an election is becoming costlier by the day. Any Naga politician will know that to secure victory they would have to garner huge financial resources from various quarters to finance their expenditure. And elected at the behest of money power, they would like to reap suitable dividends for the investment they make. This is the very reason why most if not all politicians swindle away a portion of the huge State funds that is meant for development. The idea of extending facilities like rent-free accommodation to each recognized political party, free telephone calls during polls, printing papers or campaign posters, and petrol and diesel in certain quantities to each candidate of recognised political parties will greatly reduce the threat posed to the functioning of a vibrant democracy by the adulterated electoral process. At the end of the day it is the mounting cost of fighting elections, which is at the very root of political corruption.
To tackle this menace, a comprehensive package of electoral reforms including the State funding of election is of paramount importance. If enough time is invested on the issue and similar interest generated by all those concerned—parties, civil society, Church and media—only then can there be a productive outcome towards taking real measures to reform the system inside out. Naga people should not fight shy of taking the initiative of electoral reforms particularly in the area of poll campaign finance. Apathy and cynicism on their part will only perpetuate the status-quo.
