Upholding Democracy

Nagaland witnessed a relative calm in the days leading up to the polling day for the bye-elections to the 14-Southern Angami-I and 60-Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituencies. Despite including big personalities like Union ministers in their list of star campaigners, major political parties contesting for the two vacant seats kept a low profile, except for political bickering that is expected before any major election. One of the main reasons for this relative calm is because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre government may have relaxed lockdown norms, permitting inter-state movement but travelling should be avoided unless very necessary as the crisis is far from over. Moreover, gathering in large numbers is prohibited though provision has been given during the elections. Owing to the risk involved and the possibility of turning campaigning venues into breeding grounds of the disease, it was only wise on the part of the political parties not to compromise public health for political gain. There were reports about public not maintaining social distancing and undermining safety guidelines during the campaigning, yet a significant reduction of such events by the political parties and independent candidates should be acknowledged. Such restraint is needed to curb the spread of the virus.

Having said that, three village councils in Kiphire district were served a show cause notice by the additional deputy commissioner and returning officer of 60-Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituency for allegedly violating model code of conduct and a student ‘s union also seized cash as well as liquor in the constituency. So many things could have happened under the table between the candidates and the voters too but these were the only two major incidents that were reported before the election day. Unlike in the past, no civil society organisation aggressively took up “clean election” campaigns but this year’s bye-elections appeared to be “cleaner” than the previous elections. The main rivals -- Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and Naga People’s Front – had filed complaints, accusing each other of breaking the election code of conduct on the polling day, but voting concluded peacefully except in two polling stations, registering a voter turnout of 88.10% (84.41% in 14-Southern Angami-I A/C and 89.80% in 60-Pungro-Kiphire A/C), which is higher than 79.4% turnout recorded in the last state assembly election in 2018. The percentage is also higher than in other Indian states that also conducted bye-polls this month. The good participation of the people in the election, especially during the ongoing crisis, is something that the rest of India should emulate. It is also reported that the introduction of “booth app” reduced the chance of proxy voting this time, which is a huge step towards fair election.

In a democracy, elections should be considered as a political festival where everybody participates without fear and hatred. Rivalry is part of politics as different parties with different ideologies and objectives try to form the government by winning elections. Debates and war of words come with it too. However, there is a difference between rivalry and enmity. Politicians should fight elections against their rivals with true democratic spirit without resorting to unfair means and hatred; and electorates should exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choices and uphold the principle of “one person one vote”. The decorum of democracy shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of power.