The State Election Commission (SEC), Nagaland, has issued instructions on admission of persons into polling stations for the municipal by-elections to be held on June 16 in Ward 11 (Chaara) under Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) under Atoizu Town Council.

Referring to Rule 48 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2023, the Commission stated that only electors, polling officials, election officials on duty, persons authorized by the Commission with valid authority letters or entry passes, candidates and their election or polling agents, children in arms accompanying electors, companions of blind or infirm electors, and persons engaged by the Returning Officer or Presiding Officer under the rules may be admitted into polling stations.

It further informed that the Presiding Officer may appoint a woman polling official or another consenting woman elector to assist women voters. Assistance of the concerned Ward or Colony GB may also be taken for voter identification or other polling-related duties when required.

The SEC clarified that Ministers, MPs, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Advisors and MLAs are not covered under the category of “public servants on duty” and are therefore not permitted inside polling stations. Police Officers, whether in uniform or plain clothes, should also not enter polling stations except when called by the Presiding Officer for maintaining law and order. Security personnel accompanying candidates, agents or electors shall not be allowed entry.

Returning Officers have been directed to issue identity cards to contesting candidates bearing their photographs, while polling agents may be required to produce attested copies of their appointment letters as proof of identity.

For smooth conduct of polling, separate queues shall be maintained for male and female voters. Priority shall be given to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens aged 75 years and above, blind and infirm voters, and women carrying infants. Necessary assistance may be provided to such voters in accordance with the rules.

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The SEC further stated that media personnel may photograph voters queuing outside polling stations, subject to maintenance of peace and order. However, entry inside polling stations requires authorization from the State Election Commission. Photography of polling proceedings, access to voting compartments, and interviews with polling personnel inside polling stations are strictly prohibited to safeguard the secrecy of voting.

SEC issues voter identification norms for upcoming polls

The State Election Commission, Nagaland, has notified guidelines for identification of electors during the upcoming polls on June 16 in Ward 11 (Chaara) of Chumoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) of Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council.

Electors must produce any one of the following documents for voting: Indian Passport; Driving Licence; Aadhaar Card; Service identity card issued by the Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertaking, Public Limited Companies; Bank/Post Office Passbook with photograph; PAN Card; Pension Document with photograph or Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate issued by the Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner.

The Commission clarified that documents available only in the name of the head of the family shall be used for identification of other family members, provided their identity can be established. Minor discrepancies in name, parent/spouse name, sex, age or address in the electoral roll shall be ignored if the Presiding Officer is satisfied about the elector’s identity.

No elector would be allowed to cast his/her vote without producing any of the above documents as prescribed by the State Election Commission.