The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement’s (CCEM) tour to different villages particularly the candidates' villages under Phek district to create awareness on clean election movement in the last two weeks culminated on February 18, which was followed with its general body meeting held on the same day at the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) campus in Pfütsero town.
Led by the CCEM core committee members, the members were divided into various groups based on the constituencies--18 Chozuba AC, 16 Pfutsero AC, 17 Chizami AC, 19 Phek AC, Meluri AC (Tizu and Phek area) and Western Chakhesang Baptist Church Council Area. Each group visited at least four villages each in all the assembly constituencies under Phek district, an update from CCEM stated.
It stated that the chairmen of respective area Baptist Church Council and representatives gave a brief report on the tour at the meeting.
It informed that majority of the villages visited and toured have pledged to support and follow the guidelines laid down by the CCEM with the main focus being abstaining from selling and buying of votes.
The CCEM members urged the village leaders and area public leaders to ensure peaceful elections in their respective jurisdiction.
The members also visited check gates spearheaded by Chakhesang Mothers' Association (CMA) and manned by volunteers consisting of mothers and youth in villages under Phek district during the tour.
It stated that the CMA president, Zhonelu Tunyi, had updated the members on check gates, which were set up to control the flow of alcohol, intoxicated substances and anti-social activities in the district. She informed the members that over 100 check gates managed by not less than 1000 volunteers were set up in each village with multiple check gates in some areas.
During the meeting, the members reaffirmed its stand on assigning village pastors and deacons to pray before voting starts at polling stations in their villages on February 27.
The CCEM further decided to visit the check gates under Phek district on February 22 to pray for the volunteers and to claim the territory to Christ keeping in mind that the ‘fight against election mal-practice is a spiritual battle.’
Report further stated that CCEM and respective area Baptist Church Council are jointly organising various common platforms for all the intending candidates across the region.