Dimapur, February 19 (MExN): The campaign for clean election in Nagaland has been widespread across major towns and districts in the run up to its 12th State Assembly election on February 23.
The campaign, first launched in 2011 by the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC), with “a vision to educate people about the significance of election” seems to be steering towards the direction it intended to. There have been reports of several activities carried out to create awareness and educate.
Nagaland is known for its corrupt election system and this campaign is a move to alleviate malpractices which are rife with selling or buying of votes, booth capturing/ rigging, manhandling of voters, and proxy voting.
In Mon district, the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) or Konyak Women Organization has been particularly active to ensure free and fair election in the district. They have released notices discouraging setting up of youth camps for election purposes, use of alcohol or drugs, and buying/selling of votes. “Things here are looking better compared to previous elections,” says B Lomei, President KNSK. “If we unite and support this campaign, we can be assured tomorrow will be better than yesterday.”
The youths of the state have been seen flashing catchy placards like “One person, one vote,” “Vote for better tomorrow,” in support of a clean election, in other words, free and fair election. “They (youths) are directly, or indirectly withdrawing from election malpractices,” says NBCC youth secretary, Vikuo Rhi, while acknowledging existence of some bad eggs. The youths, according to him are fed up of corrupt governance and administration; they want all round development, and peace. “They are thirsty for new, dynamic leaders. They want industries set up in Nagaland, they want good institutions.”
The NBCC has associated with different churches, youths, and civil organizations in Nagaland to carry out the campaign. Dr Hovithal, Convenor Clean Election campaign says, “Electoral malpractices happen because of ignorance. So, our aim is to educate people… As a church body, we educate morality and spirituality.”
Everybody has chosen different ways of advocating this campaign, and for 53-year-old, Azole Ngach, “praying at heart” as she sits at her shop is her way. “It is all because of prayers that we see less fights around election this time,” she added. The state being predominantly Christian, the guidelines of the campaign is founded on conducting election according to biblical truths.
On the effectiveness of the campaign, Hovithal comments, “We have a feeling it’s going well. We are getting feedback from different districts...There have been reports of people returning money which were paid by politicians.” About the future of the campaign, the convener says, “This movement is not only for this election. It is for every kind of election in Nagaland and we will carry the campaign forward.”
