Chakhesang Clean Election Movement launches its campaign in Pfutsero to promote integrity in elections.
DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement formally launched its clean election campaign at Pioneers' Complex, Mission Centre, T Chikri in Pfutsero on Tuesday.
The campaign was launched by Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, according to an update. Supported by the church council, the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement committee is headed by Rev. Dr. Kuzhopoyo Tunyi as its chairman.
Launching the campaign, Cho-o noted that the community's once-celebrated culture of integrity and honesty has faded, with unfair practices becoming the new normal. He urged people to make a U-turn and practise what is right, maintaining that right is right even when no one is doing it, and wrong is wrong even when everyone is doing it. Christians, he added, must align with these values.
Neiko Akami, Member Secretary of the Nagaland Legal Services Authority, spoke on legal awareness regarding clean elections. He dwelled on legal provisions relating to the conduct of elections under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Calling upon the gathering to become conscious citizens by enhancing their knowledge of the laws of the land, he added that people must ensure the government is made to govern and that there is accountability for every vote.
Highlighting the background of the movement, Rev. Dr. Tunyi said the movement was formally started in 2017, though clean election campaigns in the district had begun much earlier. He stated that the movement is neutral and does not support any political leader or party, with one of the main objectives being to strongly oppose the buying and selling of votes during elections.
While noting that the goals cannot be achieved overnight, he maintained that at least 20 to 30 per cent has been achieved in previous years. He cited examples where the influence of the movement stopped malpractices, including individuals choosing to delete multiple entries in the electoral roll and a decline in the enrolment of underage voters.
During the programme, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, President of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, released a clean election song in the Chokri dialect composed by the chairman. The Nagamese version of the song was released earlier during the Nagaland Baptist Church Council's launch of the Clean Election Movement.
Chakhesang Public Organisation President Vezuhu Keyho stated that the movement is for all religious denominations and is not limited to just one. He encouraged church leaders and workers to continue preaching the values of integrity and honesty to their members.
Zhonelu Tunyi, President of the Chakhesang Mothers' Association, stated that voters should rethink their actions before criticising elected leaders for a lack of development, noting that voters are equally to blame when they sell their votes.
Chakhesang Youth Front President Kevesa Khamo noted that clean election is a people's movement and urged the public not to be mere spectators but to participate actively. Chakhesang Students' Union President Povozo Soho stated that the flow of alcohol and easy money is the first step toward corruption, urging people to choose the right candidates and noting that bringing change to society starts with the individual.
The launch programme was attended by representatives from various churches under the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, the Catholic Church, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chakhesang Mothers' Association, Chakhesang Youth Front, and Chakhesang Students' Union, as well as village council chairmen and village leaders.