Nagaland Baptist Church Council renews Clean Election Movement

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has renewed its Clean Election Movement (CEM) to combat electoral malpractices in Nagaland. The initiative aims to transition from seasonal campaigns to a sustained culture of ethical voting, responsible citizenship, and accountable leadership.

Rev. Mar Pongener, the NBCC general secretary, emphasized that the movement seeks to end vote-buying, coercion, and the use of money or gifts to influence voters. He noted that when elections become transactions for personal benefits, it leads to corruption, nepotism, and the erosion of public trust. Pongener urged citizens to view their franchise as a moral and civic responsibility rather than an opportunity for immediate advantage.

Dr. Villo Naleo, secretary of the NBCC social concern department, described the CEM as a non-partisan civic and moral movement. He highlighted that the movement, which dates back to 1975, encourages voters to assess candidates based on character, competence, and commitment to public service rather than clan or financial interests. The council also called on churches to lead by example, promoting integrity within their own institutions while educating the public against corruption.