Clean Election Movement convenor calls for integrity in Nagaland ULB polls

DIMAPUR — As Nagaland prepares for the urban local body (ULB) elections on June 26, the Convenor of Clean Election Movement, which was initiated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC- CEM) has raised concerns about the potential for corruption and manipulation within the electoral process.

Stating that elections in Nagaland often fall short of democratic ideals, CEM convenor Dr. Villo Naleo noted on Sunday that “What is called the festival of democracy has been misused as one of the worst forms of corruption, where the candidates are compelled to fritter away their resources, to wine, dine, and entertain voters for any kind of inducement.”

It also said “money was the deciding factor” in many constituencies during the Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections in 2023, and in contrast, the recent 18th Lok Sabha Election in the state was “different” as there was “less use of money, no reports of violence, and other related vices usually implemented during election times.”

Further, the NBCC-CEM noted that there has been a lot of campaigning for the ULB elections, “similar to or grander than the State Assembly election.”

“This brings us back to the fact that the election process is one of the most easily abused instruments of political governance and management of society. It is enslaving, enticing, and deceitfully entertaining us to the depths of hedonistic ways,” it said.

Drawing an analogy between the potentially corrupting nature of elections and the destructive force of black holes in space, it called on voters to act upon their conscience and vote for the most reasonable candidate, without any inducement or favour, in order to see change that builds dignity, is sustainable, and is suitable.

“Any vote that is voted with a clear conscience and without any malice becomes the most valuable vote for any individual,” it said.

It went on to state that the ULB elections have become more partisan than community oriented. “It is irresponsible. The ball is in our court; will you and I make the difference by disengaging in any form of election indulgence, election feast, or accept any form of bribe?” it maintained.

“To all the candidates of ULB, do not give us myths and shallow truths, but make a name for yourself by daring to be different and lay the foundation for the steady rise of a true statesman or stateswoman that the people will see and will give them hope. Such a leader is marked with humility, truthfulness, and selflessness,” it said.

Also read: “Election: A Season of Myths and Shallow Truthfulness”