In an uncommon but genuine assertion of democratic will and individual right, members of eleven clans of a village, Tesophenyu, have resolved to exercise in their own free-will to vote for the candidate of their choice during the coming State Assembly Election. The Tesophenyu Group of 11 Clans during a meeting appended their signatures resolving among others that all eligible voters of Tesophenyu Group (Eleven) clans shall exercise their franchise on his/her own will to elect his/her leader in the forthcoming State Election, as guaranteed by the Indian constitution. Political parties or groups forcing voters were given a clear warning not to contravene this public pledge. This initiative is no doubt encouraging and needs to be supported. However in a polity such as ours where traditional norms have been strongly assimilated into the modern system of electoral politics, the bold step taken by the Tesophenyu villagers will be an exception rather than the rule. The recent outpouring of press ‘declaration’, of mass support, for intending candidates based on village, clan and kin lineage breaches the fundamental right to free expression and choice. But for a traditional based society, the virtues of group solidarity and village unity have its own intrinsic values. So what the Tesophenyu villagers have done—assertion of individual rights—is but an urge for change however slow it may take. Other likeminded groups can also follow suit in order to encourage change towards voting, which is more democratic and of free will.
In the Naga context it must be underlined that continuity and change should be inherent in our modernization process. It is however ironic that we have maintained continuity in certain aspect—such as group solidarity in voting behavior—while in other respect such as use of money and power, we have had no moral inkling to blatantly demonstrate our abuse all in the name of following democracy and the right to public office. In this regard, political parties in the State must seriously deliberate on the mechanisms available, such as state funding of elections to cleanse the muddied poll process. It goes without saying that one of the most important changes required in the present scheme of things is reforming the way elections are conducted. If this can be corrected, the cumulative effect will be felt on every sphere of society more importantly in the area of political and social morality.
With the approaching election season, the public will hopefully be educated on the fact that elections are a time when the moral fiber of society is greatly weakened. The blatant use of money power makes it not only an expensive exercise but the damage it does to the individual, family and society remains irreparable. This is the reason why a reform in the poll process is almost a matter urgent necessity and the opportunity to address the issue should not be ignored especially by the Naga churches and civil society groups. The people in general, like the forward looking and reform minded Tesophenyu villagers, should not fight shy of taking the initiative of cleansing the electoral process and making it open, fair and vibrant. Apathy and cynicism on their part will only perpetuate the status-quo.
