Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUGUST 27
In a first of its kind move at the constituency level towards negating the ‘corrupt system’ and ‘evil practice’ in the electioneering process, the 11-Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency launched the Forum for Fair Election (FFE) here today.
Offering the dedicatory prayer, Chairman Angami Christian Revival Churches Council (ACRCC) Rev. Zawhevolie Mhasi launched the Forum during the launching ceremony held at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima.
The State Assembly Constituency had been occupied three times Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio until he was elected to Lok Sabha in May this year. The by-election to the Constituency is yet to be announced by the Election Commission.
The Forum is a movement formed by like-minded persons from 11-Northern Angami-II A/C belonging to various walks of life who share the common vision for free and fair election, said Kekhriengulie Theunuo, Core Committee Member of FFE in his introductory remarks.“The Forum is above party politics and neither favouring nor disfavouring any candidate or political party,” he said, he said adding that it is an appealing body based on mass aspiration of the people for positive change in electioneering practices.
The Forum has the vision to help voters of the Constituency to elect their representative to the State Assembly through free and fair election.
He said that the Forum would work towards creating awareness amongst the people of their voting rights and to educate them about the importance of voting while also strive towards bringing an end to the election malpractice. “The forum would also appeal to the contesting or intending candidates to refrain from use of unfair means during election,” he said.
Meanwhile, making a clarion call through a leaflet, FFE maintained that politics, whether god or bad, is an inherent character of a society. It said over years Nagas have experienced the ugly face of elections and our society is being eroded by the evil practices, such as ‘booth-capturing; age tampering; proxy voting; influence of muscle and gun power; buying/selling votes; inter-village/khel/clan and group clashes; rampant distribution of alcohol and other intoxicants; false propagandas etc.
“We are aware that the evil practices which are eroding our society cannot be changed overnight since they have already polluted the minds of the people,” it said. Nonetheless, FFE maintained it is never too late to spread the message of free and fair election to the society that lives with a conscience.
It also expressed that there is a mass concern that these ill-practices are hindering all-round development in the society and that they have to be brought to n end at the earliest.
Based on this aspiration, the Forum has taken the bold step to appeal to the people to bring about positive change which everybody desires but has not been initiated on a group level earlier.
Addressing the leaders from different villages under the Constituency on Christian perspective of elections, Pastor of UBC Kohima Rev. Dr Rachulie Vihienuo called said that Nagaland being a Christian state every electorate should inculcate Christian principles in electioneering.
He said, it is a gift from God to be used in building a society that is acceptable in the sight of God. He therefore said it should be the effort of every Christian voter to elect the right kind of leader to represent a Christian society and in building a God fearing government.
Stating that voting is one of the most precious instruments to elect the true leader, he called upon the gathering not to indulge in buying or selling their democratic right.
He said that buying and selling of votes promote corruption and such practice can never bring about good governance, which will work for the welfare of the people.
He also spoke from the books of Ephesians, Luke and Deuteronomy highlighting the importance of election in choosing the right leader for the better of the society in general.
“One should exercise the franchise without fear and biasness but with consciousness to elect a leader, who will serve the people and take the society towards progress,” he appealed.
Chaired by Core Committee Member FFE Dr. Kevizakie Rio, Pesocha Baptist Church Council (PBCC) Executive Secretary Medoneiu Üsou pronounced the invocation prayer while Naga Idol 2007 Ruokuovotuo Pfüsenuo entertained the gathering with special number.
