A ‘Clean Election’ banner outside a polling station in Dimapur during the Nagaland Legislative Assembly election held on February 27, 2018. (Morung File Photo)
Dear Readers, below are some of the suggestions and comments you have made on how citizens can support and strengthen clean and honest election in Nagaland.
• Clean and honest election does not exist in Nagaland. This is because the corruption in Nagaland has reached its zenith. We have made a mockery of ourselves. The Church which is the moral institution and voice of the Nagas must publicly take a strong theological position. It cannot remain silent anymore. The Church must publicly expose those who are indulging in abusing and corrupting the democratic process of elections. Unless the Church takes firm steps to expose and shame them, the situation will only grow worse.
• Elections form the bedrock of the largest democracy in the world - India. The methodology of election is through universal adult suffrage, whereby every citizen of India over 18 years of age is an eligible voter in the eyes of the Constitution. Elections provide a way to the people to assert their voice, opinion and choose the person whose priorities and ideas matches with them most. Elections provide a way for the citizens of India to choose their leaders. They do so by casting their vote in favour of the candidate whose views appeal to them or in an ideal case, a candidate acknowledging and taking forward citizen’s aspirations. This ensures that the will of the people is reflected in the elected candidates. Elections in India are also a platform for the public to voice their resentment against a party/coalition led elected government. By voting for other parties and helping elect a different government, citizens demonstrate that they possess ultimate authority. The essence of election lies in the fact that, the citizens choose to decide on giving an opportunity to individuals and not the other way round. Unless we learn this fact and the masses with the voting rights accept this responsibility first, kuju pata te pani gera nishina he hobo ki ki koilebi.
• How citizens can support strengthening clean and honest elections in Naga lands? Look around, parents, relatives, my clan, community, and village range! Naga people vote, based on tribal and clan affiliations, we don’t ever see or question if the candidate from our family, clan, and tribe voted is a person capable enough to lead the people, it’s only a perfect example of sheep-mentality, no questions asked or any concerned raised, “bosti manu, ghor manu auro range manu ase tai kehi vote dibo.” The same story sums it all!
Despite it, basic things need to be in place to have clean and honest elections:
Step 1: Citizens stop selling your vote, I mean votes too! (Grassroot Problem)
Step 2: Citizens stop others from selling their vote (Serious Problem)
Step 3: Citizens stop your parents, relatives, clan, and range people to drag your name on the electoral list (Major Existential Problem)
Step 4: Citizens stop telling your religious leaders to pray for corrupt leaders, uncles, relatives (Religious Problem)
Step 5: Citizens know we, you, and I sold our votes, we sold our rights to a meaningless future, who is to blame? (Personal Problem)
Step 6: Citizens let’s start being honest with ourselves and each other first then the rest will be a liberation walk, is that a problem?
• Realistically clean elections will never happen since money and power are always going to be involved but I do think that we as a people can choose more wisely when voting. Usually, people vote for those who provide them money but that’s a short term fix but I completely understand why they take the money, it’s because of poverty. As long as someone stays poor there will be votes to be won and then these same people who voted complain when major issues are not being fixed. It’s a cycle that keeps repeating. Even before the election starts we need to educate ourselves on the pros and cons of electing a candidate, there will always be a tradeoff but the decision and thought process are for the individuals to decide. We cannot have a “clean” and “honest” election unless we are honest with ourselves. Make the choice that seems right for you and don’t be persuaded by money and other people’s opinions because you as an individual have a choice that can change the trajectory of the State of Nagaland. Listen to the candidate’s policies and question them instead of blindly giving your votes away just because they have been validated by a village elder or council. Old people can be wrong too and there are stakeholders at every level of election. Nothing is free of cost and accordingly make your own judgment.
• Immediate suggestion would be by presenting the facts and figures of benefits of clean and honest election, such as people loot from the election candidate and legitimate benefits (in figures) looted by the leaders after winning the elections. However, in order to implement the clean and honest election successfully, it needs to start from the grassroots level. Lots to say, so basically one should know how to live a Self-reliant life, dignity of labour and understanding of the role of a good citizen in a government.
• What is Clean Election???
• Nagas for Christ but Nagas for Money haha... People need to change the mindset.
• Stop backdoor appointment. It is the root to all malpractice.
• Share this post to political leaders.
• Stop paying money for votes!!!
• For clean election vote for RPP.
• We all know it’s impossible. No matter how many campaigns are organised for clean election, we’re still money blinded (except a handful). So, of course, the only way to clean election depends on the individual’s decision. Nothing else.
• RPP is clean election
• Stop expecting money from candidates.
• Practice clean election.
• We need several electoral reforms: 1. Minimum qualification to contest election set to graduate; 2. clean election made a compulsory chapter in all schools; 3. reducing the length of campaign; 4. state sponsored electoral funds; 5. massive public awareness campaign; 6. rebuilding the spirit of Christianity.
• Until and unless human conscience awakens, nothing is going to work. But when there is a will there is a way. In my opinion Youth can be the only force to end this corruption.
• Candidates should not give money to the voters. Very simple.
• Preach in church with reference to Bible that taking money for vote is a sin.
• Individual cleaning of mind and heart is the answer.
• Until and unless the public realize that it is wrong to take money for votes or to indulge in unfair means. But how do we make that happen?
• First step should, delete all proxy votes.
• Need new generation politicians who will create an era of clean and fair election and not following the old generation path
• It starts from “I” so I must be honest to my precious Vote.
• Equal money distribution... will work effectively in our society
• I don’t think that Nagaland will have clean election. It’s all money powers. For me, I will support RPP.
• No steps can be taken until the Naga political solution is settled.
• I am not going to vote for NDPP or NPF. That is it. Clean election here in Nagaland is kind of far away. I am either going for Congress or RPP.
• Talk with yourself first, give time to yourself to think who Is correct for the leadership, but I think even if we change and use clean election leaders won’t change, it’s time to change leadership too.
• Campaigning has to cease. Clean election will come when every individual has his/her own opinion.
• The existing hierarchy of party workers I believe is one deep root that promotes corrupt election.
• We have to insist that our educational institutions teach critical thinking to our young people, not just blind obedience.
• Before the election NBCC can have a common prayer and pledge to all the intending candidate and then later on local church pastor’s to keep track and pray for them periodically and surprise visit prayer meeting with the candidates and their party workers so as to achieve Nagaland for Christ
• It’s impossible as of now. Election malpractice is deeply rooted its roots in Nagaland.
• Say no to tribalism; Say no to backdoor appointments/favouritism; Say no to “impossible to change”; Say yes to “I’ll be the change”
• Awareness seminars and programs on clean election and voters right.
• Clean election will start not form outside force it will start from individual. It will start when and individual realize his/her power of vote. It is an individual’s right to judge and choose the right candidate. The so called “Clean Election” will start when an individual person will take up their responsibility to vote for the right person without any pressure, corruption, fare and peace. NGOs and Governmental organisations should give seminars and workshops for awareness and to know what clean election really is.
• In my life I’ve never gave a single vote and m not interested in politics even my whole family avoids election. It’s a time waste. Clean election will never happen until and unless public are clean. Public are also corrupted only mouth. That’s why in our state development is very, very slowly.
• Clean election will start when the public is not blinded by the money and tribalism. As an individual we should think the better future of Nagaland. We are still lacking far behind and time will not wait for us.
• Clean Election comes within us only if, if we don’t sales our God Given Good Conscience for the Greed of Money to satisfy our short-term needs over long-terms Enjoyment.
• People don’t work for the betterment of society but they work for the money. Money has become a major problem though there are still good leaders, people always seek for money.
• Talking about word so called clean election in Nagaland is like searching Dinosaur in 21st century. Still then the best way to conduct clean election is Educated people need to be more civilized and honest.
• Instant/on the spot public speech by the candidates and instant vote by the voters with strict security so that no malpractice are observed.
• Thinking of clean election in Nagaland is a dream that is never going to happen. The only possibilities to turn this dream into reality are, we need to seriously work on how to vote out this so called veterans or we call it money mongers. Then vote in some qualified well educated young generation youths of today. Most importantly we need to change our mindset and stop dreaming of Bolero, Scorpio and a bundle of cash for our vote we really need to focus on how Nagaland need to be well developed. Once our vote is free, development will come knocking at our doorstep. Last but not the least, our tax collectors (UGs) needs to stop backing these selfish politicians for their personal benefits.
• Link the voter ID with Aadhaar. Check the voter ID properly while voting. If anyone found giving proxy, cut his/her electricity, stops allowing them to take water from public tanks. Discard all the benefits from village or towns.
• It should start from one’s own family! It’s all about being honest and living with integrity!
• At this moment we might get a lot of good opinions, but when the election times come and Mahatma Gandhi circulates, those opinions will just be a good history. Harsh reality.
• No house to house campaign but a Common platform for all candidates; No to proxy voting; No to selling or buying of votes. Religious leaders should initiate actions on clean and fair elections.
• Go for online voting.
• Only thing that can cause clean election is politicians don’t give out change (poisa) to voters.
• We citizens can contribute to a cleaner election by not selling our votes.
• There’s no point in trying to educate the younger masses on clean education, because the problem lies not in the youth but the older generation of our state. No matter how loud we shout on the streets or social media about how we need to change the system, at the end of the day, voting decisions are made, not by individuals but by the Village, colony elders, then this is passed on to the family elders (the dads and moms) who tries to incorporate their feelings towards their children. Voting is a right every individual should be able to exercise, but till these old people (both candidates and voters) are in the scene, nothing or little can be done about it.
• Honestly there are not much latest reports or research on Naga people psychology. If we ask question and opinions even to few 100’s of people I believe we will get every interesting answer as to why we sell votes or can’t maintain clean elections. But for me i dig in a little bit of research and I personally (my own opinion) believe it’s due to poor economy. Ministers just take advantage of Nagaland’s poor economy. The poorer the people the stronger the dirty game to buy vote. Election money = buying basic necessity for most people. Even the educated ones does the same. A better economy can’t just change our present situation but will surely but slowly progress with time.
• Massive awareness on clean election and its impact on our Christian life is required; 2. New generation candidate/representative is a must; 3. There should be some minimum qualifications for the candidature; 4. Democracy is going to stay and we have to follow its democratic ways. So, the change will only come when every individual understands on clean election and its impact on our all round (socio-economic) development.
• Let the student union from each tribe choose one eligible candidate among the students and advice all the students union to vote for him/her, instead of voting for old mentalities candidates. In this way, once the student union run the Nagaland Government we can slowly begin clean election.
• Excommunicate any candidate and voter (electors) from the church membership if any evidence of bribery is found. Let this provision be also included in church’s constitution. Implement it without fear or favour. Hard times call for the hard decision. It’s time now that the churches be most proactive. No moral preaching is going to help.
• Simply start by voting in just one constituency. Cancel your multiple voting cards and vote either from your permanent constituency or from your native village constituency. Lots of ghost voters with multiple voting cards these days.
• Nothing new is going to happen in our state. Whatever the public do for clean election!! After all the same old looters will be re-elected again.
• Honestly saying, if we keep aside the ethnic elements in Naga politics then we will realise that the citizens know less to nothing about the manifestos let alone the political issues that needs to be addressed. We need more transparency on debates and dialogues occurring in the assembly which I believe the media houses could bring in aid. But again, we just say “our government is full of corruption” and end the discussion, it’s time the citizens get more involved in political discussion.
• 1st qualification at least graduate to contest, 2nd if found using money or muscle power that candidate citizenship should be dismissed and no more chance should be given to contest anywhere in Nagaland, 3rd more awareness campaign.
• Tell government to first stop counting no deaths. seems like they are just into depopulation and no job appointment that people would die of hunger also we the public are the one who elects them to power time to recognise or realise the power of public.
• We all know that politics is good but the only one thing is that the one who abuse it is choosing the wrong political leader so this is right time to change the wrong handling political leader not the politics! Than there might be a privilege for clean and honest elections even after this upcoming election.
• Online voting using Aadhar card.
• The most important thing is when all the youths who are eligible to vote 18+ take part in the electoral process by voting. Because what we see is many of the youths who are eligible for voting doesn’t take part in voting seriously. We need to vote because we are educated and have better knowledge about politics. After that the youths needs to convince people starting from their own family about choosing the right candidate, and even go on to take part in political activities in their own choice of party they like. We need the younger generation to take part directly or indirectly in electoral process seriously. This is not a instant solution but slowly it can bring a change. Because our past generations have shown and done their part, now we are the ones who are going to handle things so we have to stop saying politics is dirty and only try to take part in it and clean it if it’s dirty.
• Stop campaigning and eradicate all the middleman.
• By not reminding every time about clean election just when the elections are approaching.
• Firstly, let the intending candidates declare that they will contest in the 2023 assembly election without purchasing vote. Secondly, let the members of NBCC and the affiliated Church Associations constantly guard the intending candidates in the entire length of electioneering process so as to ensure that the intending candidates don’t practice purchase of votes. Church leaders in the village level can be entrusted to ensure clean election in the village level.
• The corruption will go on in Nagaland as it was before, now and ever shall be if we are not willing to accept ourselves and accept God. Definitely some improvements can take place through different initiatives. Let’s go for it. No objections. Thought it might sound pessimistic but, I will never believe in immediate “clean and honest election in Nagaland.” I just have one answer to this problem. I hope you’ll agree with me. Let’s be a “True Christian” whether we are leaders or voters. If we are a true Christian and understand the real values of Gospel, I’m sure, we will never dare to cheat or lie. I think this is the only solution in our state. This can happen but, it will take decades to attain or the corruption might never end if we are too stubborn enough to embrace the truth. Let’s be real and be true to ourselves and true to God. This is my only suggestion towards “clean and honest election in Nagaland.”
• Even for election of Church office bearers, we have seen the Hungama. So it’s not going to be an easy task. All those in favour of clean Election, carry a Bible with you as you go to cast your vote to show that you have not sold your Vote. All Church Leaders and Elders may congregate at the polling booth as neutral observers. Proxy will be fun - between the devil and the deep sea.
• Link electoral roll with Church birth and death register. For non Christians, non Nagas, non indigenous citizens having legitimate right to vote here, link their Aadhaar.
• By not demanding or refusing money for vote
• 1. Common platform speech should be organised inviting the candidates and all the public in respective constituency. 2. Candidates must not allow village to Village campaign; Camping by Party officials on behalf of candidates should be stopped.
• Almost all the church leaders have their own candidates and campaign for clean election. That’s why clean election campaign in reality is not that effective. The church leaders must clean themselves and go ahead a mission for clean election campaign.
• Let’s start with healthy public debate of candidates during election.
• We have seen in Dimapur the candidate and youth tried their best to have clean election but it was impossible. Hence the society should stop shouting clean election and rather make the government institution strong to punish those involve in money and muscle power election.
• 1. On the topics such as their vision, mission, usage of money, etc there must be a continuous and decent public debate among the intending candidates; 2. NBCC and its churches have to clean itself first. Because there are lots of political and business minded preachers, (servants of God), and hence, no amount of their shouts and talks about clean election will have any impact. Leading by example is the best; 3. Election or selection of Church servants/leaders in the village level has also become more of political and power interested. Ways must be adopted to remove such practices, or else no one will listen to their wisdom and good words; 4. Nagas still fear the church, and as such making the church more trust worthy would be great step; 5. There must be strong and workable rules of punishing the candidates who are found not following the instructions such as distribution of money, buying of votes, use of power and threatening, intimidating, giving false promises, carrying and transporting alcohol etc.
If such rules are not implemented in truth and spirit, we are going to have irresponsible political leaders. Lastly, the intending candidates must declare their policies, programs and plans for their constituency, district and state openly in public debate. If all the candidates do that, no voter will run around searching for vote buyers nor back door appointed job, contract etc. Besides the above, may God lead us to be more honest and less greedy.
• There are many good people who are and have tried supporting Clean and honest election. All of us present on this platform may do something meaningful to make it happen. Let’s all talk about this to our family members and relatives, let’s make sure we pledge this to one another that we will stand with courage and make clean election happened in our land. You are a leader for clean election in your family tree.
• Before voting check fact: Education, Age, Criminal background, Present work affairs, Check his good deeds; Some basic ways to elect or else NOTA; If the government is educated they can take care of lot of matters; Major issues should look into: Villages (community) roads; Education; Cleanliness; Road block issues; Dimapur due to car parking; Government should a lot land to big MNC manufacturers so it helps to develop and also jobs are available. Brothers and sisters don’t have to go outer state to work where things get unsecured for the northeast. Nagaland is a beautiful place if can handled well it could be one of the biggest tourist spots in the world map.
• Put the bible in politics. Good politic is not a sin. Put God fearing leaders in charge, not those who become an MLA after thekadar and doing smuggling.
• Fear God first and let your will power to overcome you to fight against corruption
• Honest and clean election can only be strengthened through electoral reforms. Difficult to trust today’s generation, be it candidates or voters
• Healthy and clean election campaign begin through without money games
• Take no money.
• Simple! Stop taking money from the politicians/candidates. Be honest and not greedy!
• Before the election makes all the candidates to declare publicly in words, action and writing that they would not give money for votes and if they do they should step down immediately. If at all they have won the election make them swear or confess before the church that they have won the election fair and square.
• More dialogue, more talks in public to encourage other people to really consider who they vote for instead of who has the deeper pockets, stricter supervisors at election sites (I know of one time some people even tried to steal an EVM, such things are possible only when the supervisor is complacent)
