Kumlong Ward gets first candidates; Lichemla Quinker withdraws her candidacy, supports Moala Pongen in Penli Ward
Intending candidate for the ensuing ULB election in Mokokchung from Lijaba Lijen Ward, Wabang Kichu formally declared his candidature in presence of the Lijaba Lijen Ward Yimden, Aliba Union Mokokchung, friends, family and well-wishers during a declaration program held at the Lijaba Lijen Ward Community Hall on 23 May 2024.
Wabang Kichu is till now the only intending candidate from Lijaba Lijen ward that has formally declared to contest the ULB election from the ward.
Delivering a brief speech, Kichu said that he decided to contest the ULB election to fulfill his desire to serve the community and advance Lijaba Lijen ward with the blessings of the Ward Authority and the support of the residents.
Lijaba Lijen is one of the most recently recognized wards under MMC. With 368 male and 402 female voters, Lijaba Lijen has a total of 770 voters, according to the latest data prepared by the ADC & ERO, MMC.
In a first for Kumlong Ward, Wapangnaro Pongen declared her candidacy for the upcoming ULB election during a program held at her residence on May 23. Kumlong is among the six wards reserved for women as per the 33% reservation policy under the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023.
Addressing the gathering, Pongen shared her interest in contesting the upcoming ULB election on an NDPP ticket and pleaded with the people to vote for her if they see her as a worthy candidate.
Pongen, a theologian with two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator at Jubilee Memorial School, stated that her time there has greatly enhanced her skills in human management, particularly in working with youth.
While asserting that she wishes to work as a “positive mediator,” she emphasized maintaining transparency in decision-making and added that she will work for the welfare of society without any gender division.
“I will work for the people regardless of color, creed, and gender, serving everyone equally,” added the intending candidate.
She also mentioned that the taxes collected from the people and the sanctions received from the government would be utilized with the wisdom and advice of the ward council. Pongen further expressed her gratitude to her well-wishers and shared her vision of contributing to society which she had held from a very young age.
Despite her initial eagerness to contest in the upcoming ULB election, Lichemla Quinker of Penli Ward has withdrawn her candidacy as a gesture of respect towards the elders and has pledged to support Moala Pongen, another candidate from Penli Ward. This decision was announced today at an informal meeting held at Moala Pongen’s residence.
Quinker emphasized the importance of acknowledging parental contributions, stating, “No matter how well-versed and educated we are, we are not beyond our parents.” She made room for Moala Pongen, aged 62, recognizing Pongen’s potential to bring positive changes to society.
Regarding the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization’s call for abstention from the ULB election, Quinker revealed discussions with ENPO officials, who clarified that participation was not restricted outside the ENPO area jurisdiction.
“It is out of respect for the elders that I have decided to step down from my candidacy for now,” Quinker explained, expressing her admiration for Pongen as a maternal figure and her belief in Pongen’s ability to bring positive changes for the welfare of society as a whole.
Moala Pongen, a retired government official and active church member, expressed her gratitude toward Lichemla Quinker for her selfless decision and giving her the chance to serve the people.
She stated that she has been a resident of Penli Ward for almost 40 years and understands the difficulties faced by the people within the ward. She suggested working not as individuals but hand in hand with each other, disregarding all age and social boundaries, further assuring her commitment to helping the people.
She added that Penli Ward is a cosmopolitan ward, consisting of not just one but many churches including a Muslim masjid, reaffirming her will to help the people in one way or another.
She expressed hope to contest with an NDPP ticket.