In a statement, SAFF president Bishop P Lyngdoh said that the forum in its meeting held on February 21 had decided to exhort upon all eligible citizens of Meghalaya to exercise their franchise on February 27 and choose God-fearing leaders besides avoiding abuse, fighting and violence and shun the use of the money of vote. Peace and a sense of brotherhood is the way forward to integration and development, he also stated.

Stating that corruption is rampant in society, Lyngdoh said, “When citizens seem not affected by corruption while exercising voting rights, good and efficient leaders will not engage in our state. A society with good leaders is inevitably on the path of development, progress and prosperity. Let everyone pledge to make the country prosperous and clean. This is a defining election for our state and hence it is the duty of each and every voter to vote responsibly without falling victim to allurements of all forms.”

He said leaders in the state and the country can play a very important role in our society. Let us choose leaders who can work for the good of the country. Faith in God is our shield against evils in society and unity in diversity is our strength.

“As believers in God, let us ask for strength from God to guide our leaders and our citizens for the good of the country and humanity,” he added.