DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has requested candidates and voters alike to exercise their franchise responsibly in the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.
In an appeal issued on Friday, the NBCC stressed the importance of recognising leadership as a God-given gift and urged candidates to demonstrate their leadership qualities by exhibiting commitment, dedication, and a genuine concern for the welfare of their wards and colonies.
It also urged voters to consider voting as a God-given opportunity, and engage in prayerful consideration before casting their votes.
“We shouldn't be influenced by speech alone. Whoever is concerned about the colony and can perform should be chosen to represent you. Commitment, dedication, and concern for the colony should be the standard,” it said.
The NBCC went on to say that “crooked elections in our setting have been a long-standing problem”, giving rise to “blame game and nasty party politics”.
“If we want to see change, we must start at the grassroots level, and now is the time,” it asserted, urging voters to be aware of their power and vote correctly with a single vote.
Calling on the people to exercise their franchise with dignity and pride, it urged the candidates and voters to “avoid playing partisan politics and the blaming game”.
“We must believe that all the candidates are capable people and it is our vote that will put the right and capable candidates to represent us to do things collectively for our benefits. One person, one vote and vote without influence,” it added.
Also read: WSH, CPO call for peaceful ULB elections