Clean Election Movement has received a renewed push in Nagaland as the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) launched a fresh campaign calling for ethical voting, responsible citizenship and an end to vote-buying and other electoral malpractices.
The campaign was renewed in Kohima on August 28, with NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener saying the initiative was not a new beginning but a continuation of the church council’s longstanding effort to promote clean and responsible elections. The campaign comes amid concerns over money power, coercion, intimidation and other practices that can influence voters.
Clean Election Movement seeks lasting change
Speaking at the launch, Pongener acknowledged that many people believe clean elections may never become a reality in Nagaland. However, he said growing public awareness and resistance to established electoral practices showed that change was possible.
He argued that the problem was closely linked to changing attitudes towards money, leadership, power and public responsibility. When voters expect cash, gifts or personal benefits in return for their votes, the electoral process risks becoming a transaction rather than a means of selecting responsible leaders.
The Clean Election Movement is therefore seeking to move beyond election-season awareness programmes and develop a sustained culture of integrity. The NBCC has urged churches, voters, candidates, civil society groups and other institutions to share responsibility for improving the electoral process.
NBCC flags vote-buying and electoral pressure
Villo Naleo, Secretary of the NBCC Social Concern Department, highlighted several practices that continue to pose challenges to electoral integrity. These include vote-buying, proxy voting, coercion, intimidation, voter manipulation and the use of money and muscle power. Family, clan and community pressure have also been identified as obstacles to free voter choice.
The church body has stressed that such practices undermine the democratic principle of one person, one vote. It has also argued that clean elections should be viewed not only as a political or administrative issue but as a moral responsibility in Nagaland’s Christian-majority society.
Pongener urged churches to educate voters about the importance of their franchise and encourage them to reject cash, gifts, alcohol, favours and other inducements offered in exchange for political support.
Why clean elections matter beyond polling day
The NBCC has warned that the consequences of electoral malpractice do not end when voting is over. According to Pongener, elections influenced by money and personal benefits can contribute to corruption, favouritism, nepotism, misuse of public resources, weak accountability and declining public trust.
The council wants voters to assess candidates based on character, integrity, competence and their commitment to the wider public interest rather than immediate personal benefits.
The renewed Clean Election Movement also places responsibility on candidates and political actors. The NBCC has called for leaders to reject vote-buying and other practices that undermine democratic participation.
Movement has a long history in Nagaland
The campaign is part of a longstanding church-led effort in the state. The NBCC’s clean election initiative dates back to the 1970s and has been repeatedly revived around elections. Its objective has been to discourage voters from selling their votes and to promote ethical participation.
The initiative has also involved cooperation with civil society and government institutions. In March 2026, the NBCC held an interaction with the Mokokchung district administration as part of its continuing clean election efforts, describing the campaign as an initiative aimed at social transformation.
More recently, the council has also raised concerns about the integrity and inclusiveness of electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in Nagaland. It has called for eligible voters to be protected from wrongful exclusion while supporting efforts to make elections more credible.
Local example offers hope for cleaner polls
The renewed campaign has also highlighted examples suggesting that community action can make a difference. At the August 28 launch, a representative from Natha New village in Zunheboto shared how church leaders, the village head and residents worked together during the last election to discourage money-driven politics and protect voters’ freedom.
The NBCC now wants such efforts to become part of everyday civic life rather than remain limited to election periods. Pongener said meaningful change could begin with individual decisions, including a voter refusing to sell a vote, a candidate refusing to buy support and families discussing responsible citizenship.
The renewed campaign reflects the NBCC’s broader message that electoral integrity depends on collective action. By encouraging voters to reject inducements and choose leaders on merit, the church body hopes the Clean Election Movement can help strengthen democratic values and public accountability across Nagaland.
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