DIMAPUR: Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM) launched its Clean Election campaign on September 8 at Pioneers’ Complex, Mission Centre, T. Chikri, Pfutsero. The campaign was launched by Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho o, executive secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC).
Supported by CBCC, the CCEM Committee is headed by Rev. Dr. Kuzhopoyo Tunyi as chairman.
Launching the campaign, Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho o lamented that the community’s once celebrated culture of integrity and honesty had faded, with unfair practices becoming the norm. He urged people to make a “U turn” and practice what is right, stressing that “right is right even when no one is doing it, and wrong is wrong even when everyone is doing it.” He reminded Christians to align with these values.
Neiko Akami, member secretary, Nagaland Legal Services Authority, spoke on legal awareness, highlighting provisions under the Representation of People Act, 1954. He called upon citizens to enhance their knowledge of the law, ensure accountability for every vote and make the government truly govern.
Highlighting the background, Rev. Dr. Kuzhopoyo Tunyi said CCEM was formally started in 2017, though clean election campaigns had been initiated earlier. He noted the movement is neutral and does not support any political leader or party, with its main objective being to strongly oppose buying and selling of votes. He added that while the goal cannot be achieved overnight, 20-30% progress has been made, citing reduced malpractices such as deletion of multiple entries in electoral rolls and decline in underage voter enrolment.
Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, president, CBCC, released the Clean Election song in Chokri Chakhesang dialect composed by the chairman. The Nagamese version had earlier been released during the NBCC launch of the Clean Election Movement.
Chakhesang Public Organisation president Vezuhu Keyho said the movement was for all denominations and urged church leaders to continue preaching values of integrity and honesty. Zhonelu Tunyi, president, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, reminded voters to rethink their actions, noting that selling votes makes them equally responsible for lack of development.
Kevesa Khamo, president, Chakhesang Youth Front, described Clean Election as a people’s movement requiring active participation. Povozo Soho, president, Chakhesang Students’ Union, warned that the flow of alcohol and easy money was the first step toward corruption, urging voters to choose the right candidates.
Representatives from CBCC, Catholic Church, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students’ Union, village council chairmen and leaders attended the launch.
Earlier, invocation and closing prayers were pronounced by Rev. Dr. Kowepe Kanuo, vice chairman CCEM, and Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh, member CCEM. Dr. Vezhoto Soho, vice chairman CCEM, delivered the vote of thanks, while Sevolu and friends presented a song.
