EMN
DIMAPUR SEPTEMBER 7
THE Forum for Fair Election-2014,11 NA-II A/C, in a statement today has appealed for ‘fair elections to the impending ‘bye- election’ ( or special election) to the Northern Angami Assembly Constituency.
The statement by the Forum says ‘ having drawn its inspiration from NBCC Clean Election Campaign was formally launched on the 27th August, 2014 with the vision to appeal every electorate to elect our representative through free and fair means during the forthcoming bye election which is to be announced very shortly’.
It expressed gratitude to God and duly attributed the ‘success of the program’ to the presence of its Church leaders, Village Councils, Political Parties and many responsible citizens of the constituency.
The speaker Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo, Pastor, United Baptist Church challenged every believer as he emphasized the importance of election in Christian life and pointed out the responsibilities of every believer for a positive change. Some of these changes were required in the following areas.
• Not to indulge in corruption
• Maintain Christian values and ethics during election
• Church to take active role in condemning unconstitutional practices.
• To discourage voters from accepting cash for vote.
• To choose a God-fearing leader
The appeal also states ‘the Forum has through its previous pamphlets highlighted some of the evil practices prevalent during elections in one form or the other in our state’.
This time too it has earnestly appealed to the people of the constituency to discourage undesirable practices during the forth-coming Bye-election in the interest of the people. It says its intent is to educate those unaware of the election code of conduct which they ought to know, to prevent ‘commiting mistakes’ out of ignorance.
On the demands of the electorate on contestants before elections the statement says this ‘implied the electorates selling their votes and the candidates buying the same’.
Therefore, we appeal to the electorates not to burden the candidates during election but may do so after election. We also appeal to the candidates to listen to the problems of the people and to find a solution, wherever possible, on being elected, the statement added.
The statement challenging electorate with Christian principles says ‘as a Christian society, if we really yearn for a positive change, we should shoulder free and fair election as a common responsibility in electing our representative.
If we long for a God-fearing leader we should first fear God and display Christian character. The fear of the Lord should rule over our hearts and our actions as we inch nearer to the polling day and we hope that through this Bye-election we set an example for others to follow in the days to come. Let us all stand firm for the truth.
