Dimapur Christian Forum (DCF) in collaboration with Peace Channel organised 2nd consultative meet for clean election in Dimapur at North-East Institute of Social Science & Research (NEISSR) conference hall on November 17.
The purpose of the meeting was to find out ways to collaborate with churches, GBs as well as chairmen of various colonies for clean election through the pledge stickers.
Keynote speaker, vice principal, SM college and convener Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) Simon Kelio introduced the concept of the pledge stickers and shared the implementation plan for clean election through the pledge stickers.
He said that the sticker was an initiative of DUCCF, GB union and churches.
Kelio elucidated that the sticker would be distributed to all unit churches, pastors and leaders where unit churches would take the initiative of distributing it to the members of the church – one each to a family who would commit themselves on clean election principle. Oriental Theology seminary, Dr. Panger also said that clean election campaign was not about rejecting everything related to election and being inactive towards it, but believed that it was about doing things the right way by not involving oneself in corruptive practices.
On suggestion by the speaker, the house unanimously decided the stickers would be blessed on November 26. The house also suggested that members present refrain from declaring any particular candidate as a favorite of a ward, village or church.
It was also put forward during the discussion that the culture of praying for the candidate by pastors during election was necessary despite the incorrect notion of some individuals. The house also opined that the concept of, “one man, one vote” should be emphasised more as some voters have double enrolment within Dimapur as well as in their respective villages.
Earlier, the meeting was moderated by secretary DCF, father Chacko K, invocation was pronounced by reverend Paphino, welcome address by chairman DCF, reverend R.P. Murry. Church leaders, pastors, reverend, DUCCF members, GBs and chairmen of various colonies attended the meeting.