It appears that the Clean Election Movement in Mokokchung concluded with the Lok Sabha election. As we approach the civic elections, there are no visible signs of Clean Election rallies or prayers—at least not yet. Proponents of the Clean Election Movement, including the church, should have seized the urban local body (ULB) polls as a golden opportunity to reinforce their mission. Unconfirmed reports indicate that candidates and their supporters are breaking almost every rule in the book. With about a week left before the polls on June 26, it is crucial to initiate Clean Election measures in Mokokchung.

Nagaland has a history of electoral malpractices, including booth capturing, the use of money and muscle power, coercion, inducement, liquor, and even excommunication. While it is difficult to pinpoint who introduced these practices and when, there is clear evidence that they are being practiced in Mokokchung. If we cannot curb electoral malpractices in ULB elections, it is unrealistic to believe that we can achieve clean general elections.

As a responsible media house, this newspaper has been fighting against electoral malpractices since its inception two years ago. The burden of establishing sufficient evidence to expose a particular incident of electoral malpractice is heavy and acts as a significant hindrance. This challenge is compounded by the lack of cooperation from those who witness these malpractices but do not come forward to expose them.

Without eradicating electoral malpractices, Mokokchung is unlikely to progress. Transparency and accountability will remain elusive as long as these corrupt practices are tolerated. For the first time, we are going to have an elected municipal council. How can we hold the elected councilors accountable if they were elected through corrupt practices? The common people must rise to the occasion and say ‘no’ to electoral malpractices.

Another reason for the prevalence of alleged electoral malpractices is the lack of knowledge about the rules governing elections. Prayers and rallies have so far proven ineffective in halting these practices. Perhaps it is time to use legal means to address the issue. The Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, in conjunction with clauses 1 and 2 of Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, provides measures for controlling corrupt practices and electoral offenses. For instance, threatening anyone with injury of any kind, including social ostracism, ex-communication, or expulsion from any caste or community, is illegal. Bribery is another serious issue.

“Bribery” in the context of elections refers to any act of offering, promising, or giving gratification by a candidate, their agent, or any person with the candidate’s consent, to influence someone to stand or not stand as a candidate, or to withdraw from candidature. It also includes inducing an elector to vote or refrain from voting, or rewarding someone for having done so. Conversely, bribery also covers the acceptance or agreement to accept gratification by a person for standing or not standing as a candidate, or by any person for voting or refraining from voting, or influencing others to do the same. This definition encompasses both the giving and receiving of benefits, whether as an inducement or reward, aimed at affecting the outcome of an election.

To ensure the integrity of the upcoming civic elections, it is imperative that the Clean Election Movement and its proponents take immediate and decisive action to combat these malpractices. Only through collective effort and strict adherence to legal measures can Mokokchung hope to achieve a semblance of clean elections.

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