Five candidates from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) were declared elected unopposed in the Mokokchung Municipal Council election 2024, raising significant questions about the health of democracy in the town. As the adage goes, ‘Uncontested elections breed complacency and a false sense of legitimacy.’ Against this backdrop of potential threats to democratic processes, Mokokchung Times addressed those concerns by interviewing Mangyangnungba, President of NDPP Mokokchung Region, and Watimongba, President of the Mokokchung District Congress Committee (MDCC).
Our goal is to ensure transparency and hold leaders accountable, reflecting our commitment to democratic integrity.
(Some sections of the interview were conducted in local Ao Naga language while some in English. The interview has been slightly edited for better readability while retaining its original meaning).
Interview with NDPP Mokokchung Region President Mangyangnungba:
Mokokchung Times (MT): The NDPP has 5 uncontested wins already, which means after five or more elected candidates, NDPP will likely have the Chairperson of the MMC. Is the party preparing on whom to elect as the MMC Chairperson?
NDPP Mokokchung Region President (NMRP): We will leave that to the elected councilors. The elected council members will elect among themselves. The party will not participate in it.
MT: Can you explain the process for appointment of nominees in the ULBs?
NMRP: As clearly explained in the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, we will nominate only those that fulfill the criteria mentioned in the Act. We will bring in experienced individuals like former Mokokchung Town Committee members, legal luminaries, public service experts, and at least one social activist; that is what we are discussing. However, these decisions will be made after the councilors are set.
MT: There are many NDPP candidates who have been declared elected unopposed in Nagaland. Focusing on Mokokchung town alone, what do you think are the main reasons for your party’s uncontested victories?
NMRP: We have a very solid base. Our party has a very strong base in the grassroots so when it comes to local election or rather this ward election, since our electorates are there, since our party supporters are there, and since it will be for them only, that is the reason why our candidates are coming out unopposed or some other candidates are withdrawing in our favor. Forget about withdrawing but we have a solid support base so that is the main reason.
MT: In Mokokchung Municipal Council, you already have 5 uncontested wins. From Alempang ward, the candidate was uncontested from the start. In Aongza ward, there were two NDPP aspirants, and one of them ended up giving up, but the other three were withdrawn. Why do you think these withdrawals happened?
NMRP: They have tested the water. So, after doing that when their electorates are not in their favor, why should they waste their time and resources? So, it will be in the best of their interest to withdraw, support his or her opponent candidate and be with the ruling dispensation. I think, in the interest of all, they are making the right decision.
MT: While this is excellent for your party, from a democratic point of view, isn’t it an unhealthy trend for democracy?
NMRP: I disagree because the basic definition of democracy is that it is the will of the people or rather by the majority of the people. So, when their scale is included, people, basing with the right sense of attitude, I think they have to go along with it since they have basically come out to serve the people. So, when the majority of the people are going there, they have to follow there. So, that’s how I feel.
MT: As a party president, do you guarantee that there was no intimidation, coercion, or bribery leading to the absence of competition?
NMRP: No, that question does not arise.
MT: Are you 100% sure that there was no intimidation, coercion, or bribery?
NMRP: I don’t have an iota of doubt that these things have happened because all these candidates were also from our party. So, we have given them a humble chance and for healthy competition so, on their own evaluation, seeing their support base drifting away, they gave up.
MT: Your assertion is that the people support the NDPP and prefer to be with the ruling party, which is why the opposition didn’t field candidates, and independent candidates withdrew?
NMRP: Yes
MT: You, as the NDPP President of Mokokchung Region, are asserting that there was no sort of intimidation, coercion and bribery of any form?
NMRP: No, there wasn’t.
MT: Given the importance of “free and fair elections,” what measures is the party taking to ensure this?
NMRP: From the very beginning, our party is for “free and fair” election. Now, should there be any untoward incident, from all sides, we will do our best. We will rope in the civil society and then since securities are provided by the administration, we will definitely use these facilities so that people cast their vote, exercise their franchise freely and on their own and on their own free will.
MT: We’ve heard reports that NDPP asked people to withdraw.
NMRP: No, no, why should we suppress people’s opportunity?
MT: So, are you saying that the allegations are baseless?
NMRP: Yes, it definitely is.
MT: There are unconfirmed reports that NDPP is offering nominee seats for withdrawals. How do you respond to this?
NMRP: No, No, I disagree with that.
MT: If such activities were happening, wouldn’t it be considered bribery?
NMRP: If that is so, definitely it will be bribery but I don’t think these things are happening in our party.
MT: To ensure clarity, you assert that NDPP has not engaged in any form of coercion or bribery?
NMRP: No, no, not at all.
Interview with Mokokchung District Congress Committee President Watimongba:
MT: The Congress party filed nominations for only six candidates but the NDPP has already won 5 uncontested in the MMC election. Did the Congress struggle to find candidates, or what is the reason for fielding only six candidates?
MDCC President (MDCC): We only provided tickets to those who asked.
MT: Were there no Congress ticket takers?
MDCC: We didn’t actively search. Those who wished to take tickets approached us, so we provided them.
MT: If the NDPP secures 5 more seats, they will likely elect the Chairperson from their party, with Congress likely sitting in opposition. Has the Congress party discussed this scenario?
MDCC: Out of the six seats, we are praying to win at least five.
MT: What about the remaining seat?
MDCC: If we ask for all, it might seem greedy (Laughs). We believe the Independents will win 8 seats. If we add our 5 wins, that makes 13, which should be a good result.
MT: Isn’t that a bit too optimistic?
MDCC: Even in the MP election, we were worried but won by over 50,000 votes.
MT: Are you certain the Independent candidates will align with you?
MDCC: They spent a lot of time seeking tickets and were unhappy when NDPP didn’t give them. So, it’s natural they might prefer us over NDPP.
MT: Are the five uncontested wins by the NDPP a concern for the Congress?
MDCC: Given that they are the ruling party, five is actually fewer than expected. We anticipated six to seven (uncontested NDPP) wins.
MT: That’s a significant statement.
MDCC: Yes, it shows that people are losing trust in the NDPP and shifting towards Congress.
MT: As a party in opposition, how does the Congress view the withdrawal of candidates? Do you think it’s healthy for democracy?
MDCC: Politics always has a ruling and an opposition. We accept everything but believe Nagas are now favoring Congress, so we remain hopeful.
MT: As the president of the Mokokchung District Congress Committee, what is your party doing to ensure a free and fair election?
MDCC: Our party doesn’t believe in coercion or winning elections using unfair means. We stand for truth and fair play.
MT: Can you assert that the Congress party has not and will not resort to intimidation, coercion, or bribery?
MDCC: Yes, our party is committed to fair practices.
MT: Do you assure this as the president of the Mokokchung DCC?
MDCC: We are not a party that believes in coercion. Our policy is to be truthful and not betray people through unfair means.
MT: How effective do you think this will be?
MDCC: We believe this approach will bring us success.
MT: Will there be consequences for party members if they fail to adhere to these principles?
MDCC: Since we don’t plan to engage in unfair means, we haven’t established disciplinary actions. We aim to win fairly.