Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 9
The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM) in its clean election guidelines has stated that “No village authority shall be allowed to declare solid/majority in favour of a particular candidate for the sake of village peace and harmony.”
The CCEM comprises of Chakhesang Public Organization and its frontal organizations and all the church denominations have taken a unanimous decision to follow the 18 points clean election guidelines in a joint meeting held on March 16 last at CBCC Mission Centre, T. Chitri, Pfutsero in Phek district.
In line with the NBCC guidelines, a consultative meeting on clean election drive for Chakhesang leaders in Kohima and CCEM Core Committee took place here today at NBCC Platinum Hall, Kohima. NBCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, CPO President Kekhwengulo Lea and Yesonu Veyie, Advisor CCEM and several others addressed the meeting.
Other guidelines of clean election of CCEM stated that party flags, posters banners and billboards shall not be displayed on church buildings and premises, institutions and public buildings.
Other guidelines include: use of intoxicants such as alcohol shall be restricted and inflow of liquor shall be prohibited, no political parties shall organise feasts nor create nuisances in their respective offices in towns and villages, no political parties shall organise mass procession in support of a particular political candidate, no one shall be allowed to sell or by votes, only eligible voters attaining 18 years of age shall be allowed to vote as per the election rules, one person one vote shall be enforced and proxy vote shall not be allowed.
The guidelines also stated that church workers shall not be allowed to engage in canvassing; even their residence shall not be used for election purposes. If any church worker wishes to involve in the election campaign he/she should resign first and be relieved from church ministry for a period of five years.
No political parties shall conduct election campaign on Sundays, mass feast shall not be organised by any political parties/candidates, national political groups or any other groups shall not be allowed to use arms or force and engaging in booth capturing during election, stated the guidelines.
The guidelines also stated that the village council shall organise common platform for all the political parties to share their respective manifestos. Candidates are not allowed to engage in hate campaign, false propaganda and character assassination.
All the believers have been requested to pray and elect capable and God fearing leaders and to ensure free and fair election.
The guidelines stated that the CCEM shall work to ensure clean electoral roll in all Chakhesang villages and extend all possible co-operation and support the government and its election machineries.
The CCEM shall set up committed volunteers who shall serve as Task Force to implement the given clean election guidelines.
