Everything in the election system in Nagaland seems to repeat in a cycle. I am reminded of a social theory I learned and taught in the past, “Circulation of Elites” by Vilfredo Pareto. No, no! Wait! I’m not going to explain this theory (only for intelligentsia & academic exercise).
In 1998 State Assembly Election, the slogan, “Solution, Not Election” meaning ‘Indo-Naga political problem should be solved first before Election, was the outcry and demand of the Naga public. Amidst strong protest, Congress contested the election (and elected unopposed) while others backed out. As a result, except one independent legislator, Congress formed non-opposition Government.
99 per cent of the Legislators agreed upon every law and policies that the State Assembly made. Sometimes, Naga public were dissatisfied but there wasn’t any strong body to put forth their grievances in the Assembly. Remember a strong opposition is always better for the welfare of the public.
Naga masses got fed up and ultimately, NPF (formerly NPC) won the 2003 election and formed the Government which continues in power till today. However, like during the Congress regime, at times a lone Legislator used to oppose the ruling party on certain policies and corruption.
Now the Naga public specially spearheaded by ACAUT (pressure group?) seems to be the only opposition party in Nagaland state. However, even the ACAUT members are being arrested for fighting against various scams, backdoor appointment and corruption by citing certain Section of the Law which may sound politically correct but morally and socially wrong. The latest disappointment of the Nagas in general is the forced ULB election leading to the unfortunate incident of killing two youths and the consequent vandalism.
Even though various political parties may try to politicize the social issues, the fact remains that despite the Government’s best efforts, majority public is not happy with the present system of governance.
Now the Circle completes there. I mean we have a non-opposition/oppositionless Government and a frustrated public like the 1998 State Assembly Election and its final ending. Will the history repeat itself in Nagaland again? Only the Naga public will decide.
However, another cycle of the election in Nagaland is “Money and Muscle power”. Will it still repeat itself? Another question is, how far is the Clean Election campaign prepared this time too? Are there any practical and realistic goals and actions to be taken up? Are the Naga public really serious about electing honest and God-fearing (born again Christian?) candidates or be once again succumbed to Money Power?
Now the real challenge is, will a group of Trusted politicians tie-up together to fight the 2018 Election? I mentioned Trusted because almost all the Naga politicians are opportunists without having any loyalty to one’s political party ideology.
Will the cycle of candidates spending crores and crores of money during Election and trying to make up the Election expenditure by siphoning all the public development money still continue in Nagaland or shall we not ask for money, drinks, etc. and even let the candidates promise in written to fulfill their promises without corruption and if not fulfilled, even put them behind bars after they form the Government. Let’s prove and show that public voice is louder and higher than any political power and authority from this time on. May God do His will and bless Nagaland despite all our shortcomings and weaknesses.
Dr. M. Temjen Longkumer
Lerie colony, Kohima
