Voters wait in queue to cast their votes at polling station 7/59 Keletzai ward, Peren town on April 19. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, April 19 (MExN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) stated that electoral battles are contested by responsible political parties to ensure the victory of their chosen candidates, but it is the voice of the people that enable those parties and candidates get elected. “Today, the electorates of Nagaland have once again ensured that democracy has emerged victorious,’ asserted NDPP as the polls to the 18th Lok Sabha election 2024 for one Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency came to an end on April 19.
NDPP Media & Communication Committee in a press release maintained that throughout the course of the election period, the party has maintained a dignified and matured campaign by focusing on the achievements and visions of the party “despite our opponents resorting to mud slinging and indiscriminate personalised attacks on our leaders and the party.” It expressed regret that the focus of the political campaign of their opponents has been based on ‘such propagandas rather than on their visions for development and the future of the Naga people.’
Nonetheless, it said, NDPP as a mature and responsible political party has restrained from resorting to such politicking. “We had assured the people and the Election Commission of India of our full-fledged support towards the strengthening of the democratic foundations of the country and accordingly we have strictly adhered to the Model Code of Conduct,” it added.
Reiterating that the aim of NDPP has always been to strive for unity, it said, “We will continue to overcome the forces of division and polarisation. Our political campaigns have been firmly founded in our 2023 manifesto that aspires to take Nagaland towards a State of Excellence. Our campaigns have been based on our vision for Nagaland and its citizens, and we have refrained from any form of rhetoric, polarisation and divisive politics. We have avoided narrow tribalism or communal agendas because we understand that elections will come and go but we have to live together as one Naga family for all times to come.”
Among others, NDPP has congratulated all section of the electorate of Nagaland who have come out in huge numbers to exercise their universal adult franchise especially the first-time voters. It also congratulated the government machinery and the Election Commission of India, led by CEO and State Election Department for conducting the “most peaceful elections.”
The party also appreciated the other candidates who were also in the fray while urging them and all the political parties to respect the mandate of the people, irrespective of whatever may be the final result, in order to collectively work towards the all-round progress and development of Nagaland. “Let us all make Nagaland stronger and let us all ensure that every citizen of Nagaland is a member of Team Nagaland,” it appealed.
