Vilasetuo Suokhrie
Today, the word or the phrase known as “Clean Election” has become the talk of the town. Whether one likes it or not, whether we support it or not, we all talk about Clean Election, in its favor or against it. As an idea we all love to let it bloom, it sounds so catchy and nice. But practically we are still doubtful and unwilling to let it live.
Politics in itself is not evil or dirty; however, it is we who do not play it fairly. As a human and more so as Christians we are the one who needs to be accountable and transparent in all our dealings whether it is inside our homes or outside. We all know the current situations in our society; it is such that moral and ethical values hold less water.
Day by day things are becoming uglier and empathy towards each other is declining. Our society is such that many of us love to maintain the ‘status quo’. “Until and unless it effects me or has something to do with me or my loved ones directly, I do not have anything to do with it”. We need to do away with such kind of mentality. If we all, in our small ways contribute towards building our homes and society, I believe things will gradually get better.
Clean Election has a lot to do with our current situation; the process of electing our leaders should be clean and fair. When the process itself becomes corrupt, how can we think that the system will be okay? Clean Election in our society will not be easy, it will take time. However slow and steady the movement may be, if we as an individual do our part, it will achieve its goal.
Clean Election is not just to do with the masses; it is more to do with an individual. we can’t just say Clean Election is a farce, it will not work because it just shows that you are not willing to commit to it. It should start with an individual like you and me and ends with the masses. Most of the time, we think that it’s not working because many are still following the same style. However, I personally feel that even if the others have not started it, if it has began to work in my life, it is working. For sure, the progress may be slow but definitely it is and it will work.
The recent by-election in Kohima district Northern Angami I Constituency has thrown some light whether Clean Election has affected the process or not. According to my observation and to some feedback from various sources, I can say that Clean Election is very much working. Selling/buying of votes, coercion and some other malpractice may have occurred but not like the old days. Things have become a bit better and quieter this time and I can say that change is taking place.
“A drop of water makes a mighty ocean”; and so as individuals let’s stand upright and do our part. What is good and what is right should be our motive and goal. The fight has already begun and which side are you going to fight for? Are you going to fight the good fight or are you going to let your desires rule over you?!!
