Evils of ‘Cash for vote’ highlighted at Jakhama

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 16 (EMN): Politicians fail to bring development because funds meant for growth in the society and community are given to individuals to buy votes during elections, stated

Podi Sophie, former joint director, Rural Development.

Sophie said this during the 32nd Jakhama Village Day celebration held on the theme “truth and victory” on Sunday.

With elections at hand, Sophie cited how leaders in the community are ‘enticed by money’ during elections, which in turn impacts everyone adversely.

Stating that the practice of buying votes or receiving money by individuals during elections is a “crime”, the former official reminded how corruption with money has been affecting the unity, peaceful coexistence, and brotherhood while creating divisions in different communities.

He maintained how candidates attempt to recover their money spent on the voters after the elections, for which growth and development in the society are denied.

He asserted that those who run the government are ‘compelled to practice dishonesty’ because individuals accept bribes, especially before the elections from the candidates.

“It is you and me who force them to share out money to us,” Sophie said, adding that people are often unable to voice out their rights to the elected representatives after they receive money illegally during the elections.

“It’s a shame to take money from candidates,” he said, asserting that welfare of the people is hampered.

He reiterated how electorates fail to tap good leadership to run the state because they are being paid to vote.

Meanwhile, he urged members of Jakhama to be upright and strive hard to become the “cleanest village” during the forthcoming election in the state.

He reminded of the need to respect their leaders serving in different capacities, and also urged the leaders to lead by example for the uplift of the village.

Sophie also implored upon the citizens to continue to uphold the values, good deeds and rich traditions that have been passed on to the younger generation.

Concerned members of the village and youth organisation also spoke during the occasion.

A folk song was presented by Jakhama Women Society while a special number was presented by Lolevinu Zhotso, winner of the solo singing competition during the recent Jakhama Students’ Union conference.