SHILLONG:
Hoping for untainted leaders to lead the state, churches in Meghalaya have called upon the faithful to exercise their right to vote and to pray in their homes for the upcoming elections.
The challenge before the church is working towards inducement-free elections and hope that qualified leaders are elected to the legislative assembly.
Speaking to The Meghalayan, Vicar General of Shillong Archdiocese Father Richard M Majaw called upon Christians of the state to pray with a belief that prayers can bring about transformation and change.
“We urge everyone to pray, pray for the state and please vote. As per conviction, please go for voting,” he said.
Commenting on inducement-free elections, Father Majaw urged voters to not fall for such inducements and said, “Inducement is an evil in itself, please do not fall prey to any.”
Senior administrative secretary, Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly, Rev. S R Dkhar said that they have guidelines on how the church members should vote.
“We have to exercise our right to vote and at the same time be wise enough to elect as leaders those who are well-educated, who have a responsibility towards the people and the nation with no self-interest,” he said.
The church leader observed that it is not much about political parties but suggested looking for a responsible and untainted person/candidate who is keen to work for the interest of the people.
“Voters should not be bought and they should not be threatened also. The casting of votes should be free and fair, there should not be any proxy votes, not even in the names of deceased persons,” Dkhar said.
He voiced his concern on the vandalisation of churches in other parts of India and said that this has caused panic amongst Christian faithful.
“We need a government that will be about peace and harmony and respect other religions,” he said.
Dkhar has urged Christian homes to keep the upcoming elections in their prayers.
The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) president, Bishop Purely Lyngdoh, stated that the stand as Christians is always plain and known to all, as the Church looks forward to fair and square elections.
He said, “As Meghalaya is a Christian majority state, we expect and hope that the voter will exercise his or her franchise with a clear conscience.”
Lyngdoh said that the Church does not side with any political party but anyone with a clear conscience.
Pertaining to the elections, the KJCLF will hold a special prayer on February 14 at English service Church, Khyndai Lad.