AMCO prays for free and fair election
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06 2024:
The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has appealed to election officials, political parties, civil society groups, and all voters to join hands in ensuring that the upcoming elections are not marred by violence, coercion, or any form of electoral malpractice.
''As Manipur prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on April 19th and 26th, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where the need for an ethical and peaceful electoral process is more pressing than ever," AMCO said in a statement.
"In the context of ongoing ethnic tensions and widespread concerns about violence, vote-buying, and other malpractices, this election must uphold the highest standards of fairness and integrity," AMCO continued while reminding John Locke's advocacy for governance based on the consent of the governed, as expounded in "Two Treatises of Government".
Saying that the legitimacy of any Government, especially in a diverse and multi-ethnic State like Manipur, is contingent upon a fair representation of its people's will, achieved through free and fair elections, AMCO maintained said that Romans 13:1 emphasizes the importance of lawful and ethical governance, ordained by divine authority.
"This election is not only a political exercise but also a moral test of our ability to create a just and peaceful society," the Christian organisation continued.
It is also said, "Amid our state's ethnic strife, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "general will" aimed at the common good, as outlined in "The Social Contract" (Rousseau, 1762), becomes especially relevant" .
Stating that the electoral process must ensure the voices of all, particularly the minorities who harbour fears of 'Nationalistic radicalism' are heard and respected, AMCO maintained that the Christian community, as an integral part of Manipur's diverse tapestry, prays and advocates for an election that transcends the current climate of fear and hostility.
It also called for an election characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to the common good.
Maintaining that a collective effort should be directed towards creating a peaceful and just environment that reflects both democratic ideals and Christian values, AMCO added, "Let our actions in these elections be guided by the wisdom of political philosophers like Locke and Rousseau, and the eternal principles of our Christian faith.