The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement has formally launched the Clean Election campaign on September 8 at Pioneers’ Complex, Mission Centre, T Chikri, Pfutsero. Executive Secretary Chakhesang Baptist Church Council Rev Dr Chekrovei Cho-o launched the campaign.
Supported by the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement
(CCEM) Committee is headed by Rev Dr Kuzhopoyo Tunyi as its chairman.
Launching the campaign, Chekrovei Cho-o noted that the community’s once-celebrated culture of integrity and honesty has faded, with unfair practices becoming the new normal. However, he urged people to make a U-turn and practice what is right, emphasizing that right is right even when no one is doing it, and wrong is wrong even when everyone is doing it. Christians, he added, must align with these values.
Neiko Akami, Member Secretary of the Nagaland Legal Services Authority, highlighted spoke on legal awareness on clean election. He further dwelled on the legal provisions relating to the conduct of elections under the Representation of People Act, 1954. He called upon the gathering to become conscious citizens by enhancing their knowledge of the laws of the land, adding that people must ensure the government is made to govern and that there is accountability for every vote.
Highlighting the background of the movement, Rev Dr Kuzhopoyo Tunyi, said the CCEM was formally started in 2017, though clean election campaigns in the district have been going on much earlier.
The movement is neutral and does not support any political leaders or party. One of the main objectives is to strongly oppose buying and selling of votes during election, he noted.
While the movement cannot be achieved overnight, he maintained atleast 20 to 30 percent has been achieved in the previous years. He cited examples where the influence of clean election movement have stopped malpractices including, individuals choosing to delete multiple entries in the electoral roll and the decline of enrolling underage voters which was practise in the past.
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Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, President Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, released Clean Election song in Chokri-Chakhesang dialect composed by the chairman was also released. The Nagamese version of the same song was released earlier during the NBCC formal launching of Clean Election Movement.
Chakhesang Public Organisation President, Vezuhu Keyho said the movement is for all religious denominations, not limited to just one. He encouraged church leaders and workers to continue preaching the values of integrity and honesty to their members.
Zhonelu Tunyi, President of the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, said voters should rethink their actions before criticizing elected leaders for a lack of development. She noted that voters are equally to blame when they sell their votes during elections.
Kevesa Khamo, President of the Chakhesang Youth Front, noted that Clean Election is a people’s movement and everyone should be involved. He urged people not to be mere spectators, but to actively participate.
Povozo Soho, Chakhesang Students’ Union President, stated that the flow of alcohol and easy money is the first step toward corruption. He urged people to choose the right candidates to represent them, adding that bringing change to society starts with the individual.
Representatives from various churches under the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Catholic Church, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students’ Union, as well as village council chairmen and village leaders, attended the launch program. The participants agreed to the Chakhesang Clean Election Movement.
Earlier, Rev Dr Kowepe Kanuo, Vice Chairman CCEM and Rev Dr Kevekhalo Lasuh, member CCEM pronounced invocation and closing prayer respectively. Dr Vezhoto Soho, vice chairman, CCEM delivered vote of thanks while Sevolu and friends presented a song.
