Chizokho Vero
Kohima | June 27
In the backdrop of the formal launch of a ‘clean election campaign’ by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the Convenor of the Working Committee on Clean Election Campaign (WCCEC), NBCC, Dr Hovithal N. Sothu has said that the booklet, entitled “Engaging the powers: Elections- A spiritual issue for Christians”, which was released here yesterday, was an attempt to strengthen the ongoing Christian social mission of the NBCC.
“It asserts that election is a spiritual issue for Christians and that it is the responsibility of believers to work in building a democratic and ethically acceptably process of election in Naga society,” he said adding that the NBCC has been issuing statements and encouraging Churches to take a clear moral stand regarding state elections. To strengthen this initiative and to give a clear direction on a Christian’s stand on this issue, this booklet on election is being brought out, he said.
He penned that the movement for making election as a spiritual issue has become too important in the Naga context because it is the epicenter that shapes most of the forces and arrangements of Naga political, economic and social life. The devastating tentacles of state elections have spread to all aspects of Naga life: individuals, families, villages, churches, tribes, traditional and government institutions. It is the biggest force that is eroding the moral foundation as well as the future of the Naga people.
Because most in Nagaland are Christians, the NBCC is convinced that it is her prophetic moral duty to educate the Churches and Naga public about the need to ground elections in the moral foundation and politics of God. Hoping to convince Churches that “election is a spiritual issue”, for which we must take a stand and act, Dr. Sothu penned, “It is hoped that the Church associations of NBCC will use this as a resource in launching their respective clean election campaigns.”
It is an invitation for Christians and citizens to engage in and envision a healthy democratic society by promoting a just and fair election, practicing good governance and ethical responsibility in all walks of life”, Dr. Sothu said in the foreword of the booklet.
Meanwhile, stating that Nagaland is a land where almost all the politicians, candidates and voters are Christians, the NBCC said therefore this is the right place (State) to do what is right according to the Biblical truths, avoiding all forms of election malpractices.”
In democracy, it said “We have freedom to choose our own leaders. However this initiative is defeated many a times because of the wrong electoral practices.” We heard painful stories of divisions in families, clans and villages. The fabric of friendship and love is destroyed. Therefore, the need to change is so urgent.”
The NBCC said it is time now for the Church to be more proactive in condoning the evil practices of election system, adding that the Church needs to play a more prophetic role to heal our society.
Objective of clean election campaign
“As a citizen of a state and a country, we cannot escape nor do away with politics as long as we live. In this campaign, we will be fighting a spiritual fight to bring in clean and fair elections. The Church has no other interest or any hidden agenda to support or stand against any political party. Our sole purpose is to tell the truth, to fight for the truth, to stand for the truth and to bring about a positive change in our society. This, we will do by praying, participating and educating our people that election is the right means of choosing the right leaders to lead our state-” NBCC.
