Political parties pledge for NBCC initiated clean elections

Kohima, June 22 (EMN): At a time when the Naga people have not been able to conduct free and credible elections in the State for so many years, the forthcoming State Assembly election scheduled in early part of 2018, if not before, may witness a positive change as the political parties of Nagaland has taken a pledge today to make a joint effort to address the evils of elections.

The NBCC held a colloquium on clean election campaign with the political parties at Platinum Hall, NBCC headquarters, Kohima, wherein representatives from NPF, BJP, Congress, Nagaland Congress, DPP, JDU and AAP attended the day’s programme. The NCP and UNDP failed to turn up for the programme.

The various political parties met under the leadership of NBCC Clean Election Core Committee, with the aim to inculcate Christian values and principles into the democratic processes of the State. The initiative of the NBCC also aims to awaken the conscience of the Naga people and further to help the people see election as a moral and spiritual issue.

Realising that election malpractices is one area that needs to be cleansed if at all corruption had to be eradicated, the NBCC and the political parties have affirmed to work together in addressing the evils of elections, and has further agreed to abide to the objectives and guidelines laid down by the NBCC-CEC, in the effort of realizing a clean election process.

Out of the 18 points that have been agreed in principle by the political parties, some of them includes – That, no political parties or candidates shall buy votes with money, neither shall insist/force clan, khel, village and family to declare support for a particular candidate. The party/candidates will also not bribe the voters with money or materials, nor shall set up camps in colony/khel/village/town, or even use the support of underground/NPGs for threatening voters. The NBCC-CEC guidelines also included avoiding house to house campaign and that the party.

In his address, NBCC general secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said, for the church, the clean election campaign is a “Holy discontent” movement.

“We all need to put our heads together to find ways and means and develop our strategies and strengthen each other without becoming discouraged. We must do our bit. We cannot remain critical at every stage and become sceptics,” he said.

“Today, what is presented before us is to clean up ills of dirty election system that has eaten us away making us impotent in our performances,” he said expressing hope that “more than half of our problem will be solved if we manage to clean the dirty mess of electioneering system in our society.”

Rev Keyho also went on to say that the church has focused on themselves for much too long without addressing the issues that encounters the spiritual-biblical-theological-faith dimensions.

He clarified that clean election campaign is not a campaign against the politicians, political parties and individuals, but a campaign for positive change and attitude, to educate the voters to use their birthright honourably and with dignity.

“There are many things happening in our society that should not be happening in a Christian majority state. Dirty election is one of them,” he said adding “When the ideals of democratic electioneering process are abused, the result becomes devastating. What has become of us needs no further description. We cannot go on like this. We must change to give hope to our children.”

“Dishonesty and fear has taken grip of us. Unless we make peace with each other and also correct our ways from where we have gone wrong we will continue to fight among ourselves,” he said adding “Not to do anything and allow what is happening would be anathema.”

Delivering the keynote address, NBCC president and convener CEC, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger regarded clean election as a call for the Nagas to change ourselves in the effort to transform the Naga society.

“Clean election is a call to apply the Christian principles in our action,” he added.

Though, stating that the Naga society has become more educated, Rev Mar regretted that the liberty and rights of the citizens are shrinking each day. To the political parties and politicians, he challenged them saying that “being or not being in the ruling government is not important so long as they chose to serve the people.”

“Our doors, our pillars are being shaken by corruption. As long as we do not have the sense as a nation to do right, it will be difficult for us to put things in correct terms,” he said, while he urged all Nagas to be a part of the clean election campaign

The NBCC also had a meeting with the different denominational heads including Peace Channel (Catholic Church), Catholic Church, SBAK (Aizuto), NCRC, Assembly of God and volunteers after the programme.

What the party leaders said:

NPF – Apong Pongener, Working President

Election is the root of corruption. When others (Mizoram) could achieve, why not we? We expect and have great hope that the church can do something in this regard. Do not give up the hope; we are here to support the clean election campaign.

BJP – M. Chuba Ao, Former President

Though clean election is a tough thing, it is doable. All the parties should come up to support the clean election campaign. The church leaders should not be biased towards one party.

Congress – Capt G.K. Zhimomi

Let us go back to address the issues where we have gone wrong in the past. Let us seize the opportunity to support the initiative of NBCC. Opportunities to change don’t come quite often. If the church fails, we Nagas will fail as a whole. Mizoram model on the success of clean election should be a bench mark for us.

Nagaland Congress – Z. Lohe

As long as the ring leaders of the Clean Election Campaign do not go haphazard, we will continue to give our support. It the past, we were haphazard, but the NBCC is more sincere this time.

First and foremost thing is to cleanse the electoral roll. Clean election has to begin with the cleaning of the electoral roll. The election department is ill-equipped. Cleaning of electoral roll has become selective. The State is yet to come up with a full-fledged Chief Election Commission, and this is so much needed as subordinate officers won’t be able to handle the task of a clean election process. Not only NBCC, but every denomination should be equally responsible for the clean election campaign.

DPP – Dr Chumben Murry

Corrupt election leads to poor governance. Though it is going to take time, the issue on clean election is going to be the biggest social change for the Nagas. The church has been silent for pretty too long. We have to wake up. What picture of change do we anticipate in 2018?

I confess that I have given money to buy votes. I am compelled to give promises for jobs and contracts.

JDU – Throng Hokiu, Member, DAN Coordination Committee

The party is behind NBCC in this endeavor. The cleaner the election, the better for the Naga society.

AAP – Rükhietuonuo, secretary

The initiative of the NBCC on clean election is laudable. Let us be the idol for change. Let us be the change we want to see.

 

The 18 point pledge

1. Shall not buy votes with money.

2. Shall not insist/force Clan, Khel, Village, and family to declare support for a  particular candidate.

3. Shall not bribe the voters with money or materials.

4. Shall not distribute party money or provide party-based development work during election time.

5. Shall not distribute alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants to voters.

6. Shall not set up camps in colony/khel/vlllage/town.

7. Shall not put up flags and posters on an individual household except in party office and house of the candidate.

8. Shall not provide feasting, picnic, or go for procession.

9. Shall not use force, intimidation and undue influence to the voters.

10. Shall not use the support of underground/NPGs for threatening voters.

11. Shall have a dear and realistic manifesto.

12. Shall avoid house to house campaign.

13. Shall discipline the party workers and educate them with CEC instructed by the NBCC.

14. Shall not use/spread false propaganda for personal gain.

15. Shall not be involved in booth capturing and any other activities which are unbecoming of any political party.

16. Shall  deliver peace,  justice, and development for our people

17. Shall participate in the Common Platforms organized by the Clean Election committee.

18. Shall support NBCC-CEC guidelines in letter and spirit, and cooperate with all the initiatives of  Association level CEC-Core Committee.