‘There is no loss in standing for clean election’

February 17, 2023 67 Views No Comment

Clean Election Movement in Nagaland taking small but progressive steps

Vibi Yhokha Sophie
Kohima | February 17

The movement for Clean Election in Nagaland might is now seeing small but visible progressive steps that could set up the foundation for the something bigger and more significant.

In Kohima, a few villages and colonies are boldly taking a stand against rampant electoral malpractices and standing for Clean Election as a social responsibility for the greater common good.

“This is the first time the colony has decided to stand for Clean Election. We felt that we needed to uphold to the guidelines of the NBCC’s call for Clean Election for the good of the society,” said Vezhuhu Keyho, Chairman, Supply Colony Council (SCC).

The SCC, which comes under Ward 19 of Kohima town, issued a strong statement of resolutions on January 24 stating that, “No political party will be allowed to open camp or office and organise feast and create nuisance in the colony. All political parties will be treated equally without favouring a particular party’s candidate. Distribution of money in the name of election, or seeking money from the candidate or agent by any group or party in the name of the colony will not be allowed.”

The resolution also prohibited the display of party flag, banners, posters of any political party, abstinence of proxy votes and use of intoxicant substance such as drugs and alcohol in the colony. It further welcomed a common platform if needed for all the parties.

“Change needs to come, and it needs to start somewhere. So, we are taking this stand and we must stay strong on this principle,” asserted Keyho.

Issuing similar resolutions, the Old Minister’s Hill Panchayat Kohima also restricted setting up of party offices, feasting, display of party flags, banners, posters etc.

One objective of the resolution, according to Panchayat’s Chairman Kesa Sekhose, is to prevent violence in the colony, where there were often instances of brawls in the previous elections.

“So far the residents in the colony are able to adhere and comply with the resolutions set by the Panchayat,” he added.

On January 16, the Kiruphema Basa village unanimously resolved to ban all candidates setting party camps, distribution of money for vote, and use of alcohol under the village jurisdiction.

Kiruphema Basa is one among few villages in Nagaland that has openly declared its commitment to a free and fair election.

“We stand by ‘Zero expenditure first, and development later’,” stated Ape Yavio, the village Chairman, upholding the belief that development should be for the entire community and not individuals.

The village will allow a public platform for candidates to share their vision but will not entertain any unfair means to bribe voters, he added. The village which was established in 1940, has rarely seen improvement in infrastructure or the quality of life.

“Over the last few elections, we kept witnessing a few individuals benefiting but there was no progress or development of our village. Our desire is to see the progress of the village and not individuals,” opined Yavio.

Voicing related concerns, SCC’s Keyho cited that there were many instances where the candidates who purchase votes during elections, do not invest in the development of the communities for the next five years.

“We also felt we needed to cut down the expenditures of the candidates. We will not take any money, but we hope for development in the colony,” he said.

While the outcome has been positive, with the residents and villagers extending their cooperation in this movement, the journey is still a long one.

Yet, Vezhuhu Keyho opined that, “There is no loss in standing for clean election. The impact will be strong!”