Relentless efforts of individuals and organisations, particularly the ‘Clean Election Movement’ initiated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), often go down the drain when election time arrives.
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Relentless efforts of individuals and organisations, particularly the ‘Clean Election Movement’ initiated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), often go down the drain when election time arrives, as electoral malpractices and violence continue unabated. Once again, Mokokchung district is in the news for all the wrong reasons, as a fresh pre-poll clash between supporters of rival candidates contesting the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election has left one person dead and several others injured in Longkhum village, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects, while several vehicles and houses were damaged in a separate incident in Mangmetong village. This came against the backdrop of the State Assembly election in 2023, which saw three fatalities, including one person from Koridang constituency who was found dead under suspicious circumstances after going missing. Once again, violence has marred the campaigning for the by-election scheduled to be held on April 9, forcing the authorities to clamp a night curfew in Longkhum, Mangmetong and Alichen areas under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain law and order. It is unfortunate that some people still resort to violence, undermining the political rights of individuals and the importance of adult franchise in a democracy. The recurrence of violence is a matter of serious concern that needs to be pondered upon.
In a democracy, an election is more than just a political event. It is a festival wherein citizens choose their representatives to act on their behalf in governance through their participation in the electoral process. The stakes are high, so it is natural for leaders of political parties to engage in high-voltage campaigns, political bickering, and heated debates before an election. However, depriving an individual from standing for election or voting for a candidate of his or her choice undermines civil and political rights. Sadly, we witness anti-democratic activities during almost every election. This has to be stopped once and for all. The district administration and security agencies should take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful polling in the Koridang by-election, taking the violent history of the constituency into consideration. They should create an environment for citizens to vote without fear, coercion, or manipulation and set a precedent by penalising those resorting to anti-social activities. Political leaders should direct their party workers not to take the law into their own hands. In the meantime, the public should respect each other’s space and political rights. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any democratic system. A vote can shape or destroy a nation.