DIMAPUR, June 26 � Calling for a spiritual fight to bring in clean and fair elections ahead of the State general elections, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has launched a �Clean Election Campaign� in Kohima.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, NBCC president Rev Keviyiekielie Liny� said the right to vote, the power �to uproot and pull down...to build and plant� is so precious a gift of God which is given to all mankind albeit millions of people in the Arab world and China, especially women, are still fighting for their rights to vote.
However, he said �we should be very grateful to God for giving people of Nagaland this right and power to elect this government�. Terming it as a divine right, a God-given right and a birthright, he strongly emphasised that we ought to exercise this gift prayerfully, with fear in our hearts lest we misuse it and bring suffering to the people. He also rued that Nagaland has not given the due respect to this God given right.
He pointed out that election violence has already started in Nagaland while referring to the pre-poll clash in Chantongya. He hoped and urged the gathering to put their efforts and understand the pricelessness of this prophetic gift - the precious right to vote while asserting that it should be taught in all schools, Sunday schools, and churches.
He further added, �If we start from our Sunday school...perhaps we may not get a fair election this time, but in five years� time, I am convinced that God will answer our prayers.�
NBCC general secretary Rev Dr L Anjo Keikung said the Election Code of Conduct laid down by the Government of India itself is very clean and good enough to conduct a clean and fair election but lamented that nowhere that spirit is inculcated. He said �we as Christians could do much better�.
Introducing the �Clean Election Campaign� booklet which was launched this afternoon, the Reverend said it is to educate the people including young people, women, mothers, fathers, church leaders in being thorough about our right and the truth.
