Election Introspection

The next election in our State, if normally held, is at a distance but then ambition and aspiration could push the matter much ahead of the actual election. Many aspirants are already embroiled in activities relating to the next election. This coming Christmas celebration will presumably witness many aspirants and well wishers visiting various Churches in wishing Christmas greetings of good tidings of Joy and Good Will and some will even involve in singing special numbers and Christmas carols in Churches.

Why should there be election after all, when such events involve consumption of huge resources that includes money and man power. The answer is simple. In a democratic country as of ours, election constitutes an integral part of the system of governance where members frame laws for the State. In a large country where all cannot directly participate in making laws of the land, representatives are elected through the process of election and such system works well in a big country such as ours. It is “the Government of the people, by the people and for the people”. Election of such nature is conducted on the principle of Universal Adult Franchise where voters after attaining certain specific age are allowed to exercise their franchise. The principle of universal adult franchise is also an act of confirmation that every voter has a role either directly or indirectly in the process of making or unmaking a Government of the country.

The pattern of election in our State may make an interesting reading. In some cases, the village decides as to whom to vote and the people in most of the cases vote without much fuss, though apparently such practice may not be in keeping with the spirit of democratic  procedure. There has been even opinion that voting in our State may be conducted as per the prevailing customary practices. These are however opinion shared only. Election in our sate is however conducted as per the procedure provided in the election manual.

The style of electioneering in Nagaland has lately reached to an unenviable pitch of style and sophistication where some candidates spend crores of rupees. Election to a great extent is unfortunately reduced to a game of buying and selling where a thought provoking word in nagamese popularly known as “khai sam” has become a reality. Election could make some candidates crorepatis and some paupers overnight. Election is indeed a cut throat game where one is instantaneously elevated to the pedestal of power and glory and for some, made to kiss the dust of the ground at the twinkling of an eye. The concluding query is whether election can change our society for the better or worse. The answer lies with the kind of person elected. A capable leader either win or lose will remain a public leader that will serve the people but a wrong candidate will create problems and failures both to himself and to the voters.