Elections to the Urban Local Bodies for Nagaland was held today after 20 long years, significantly the polls were conducted with 33 percent women reservation, a significant development to include women in the policy decision making body.

Voting began at 7.30 am across as many as 420 polling stations for 214 wards in 3 municipalities and 21 Town councils.

The polls although conducted with tight security arrangements in place witnessed several verbal altercations between supporters of various political parties and violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), there were no reports of any major violence.

A provisional poll percentage of 83.54 percentage of voter turnout was recorded as of 9:54 PM, updated by the State Election Commission (SEC). The highest voter percentage turnout was reported from Atoizu Town council with a voting percentage of 97.47 percentage while, Changtongya Town council registered the lowest turnout with 67.70 percentage, as reported by the SEC.

A total of 2,23,636 eligible voters exercised their franchise today sealing the fate of as many as 523 candidates (198 females and 325 males) who are in the fray.

Mention maybe made here that 64 candidates have already been declared unopposed.

This was a historic election in Nagaland as the polling to three municipalities and 21 town councils was conducted after a gap of 20 years. The last elections were held in 2004.

However, in this historic election one third of Nagaland abstained from participating in the ULB Polls. The Eastern Nagaland which covers 20 Assembly Constituencies spreading across six districts and holds 140 wards in 14 town councils of its region abstained from the ULB polls following the directives of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) 23 February, 2024 Chenmoho resolution. The ENPO had also abstained from participating in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Nagaland.

The ULB polls is being contested on both party lines however, it also witnessed a large number of independent candidates in the fray. The ULB elections in Nagaland is being seen as a historic, mainly because it is being conducted after 20 years and for the first time since statehood the ULB is being held with 33% women reservation and there are as many as women 198 candidates in fray contesting in both reserved and general quota.

The ruling NDPP has fielded 178 candidates followed by BJP- 44, Independent 182, INC- 37, JDU- 9, LJP-7, NCP- 15, NPF- 21, NPP- 22, RPI(A)- 7 and RPP- 1.

A total of 64 candidates have been elected unopposed.

*Mokokchung ULB Election Sees High Security Amidst Tensions

Thirteen out of the eighteen wards in Mokokchung Town participated in the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections today, with the remaining five wards having their candidates elected unopposed. The election process was marked by several commotions between rival party supporters.

The Sector Magistrates, along with the District Administration and Police, responded swiftly to these disturbances by deploying additional security forces to maintain control. However, authorities cautioned that post-poll violence cannot be ruled out.

At Arkong Ward, the situation became tense even before polling began, with incidents of stone pelting among party supporters. The police intervened and increased security in response. Similar disturbances occurred in Alongmen Ward, which were also managed with the deployment of additional security personnel.

Despite efforts to maintain order, reports indicated that voter turnout was low in many wards, with allegations of proxy voting prevalent across various polling stations. Official responses from voters and presiding officers denied these claims, but witnesses suggested that proxy voting was widespread.

The tense atmosphere was evident in all thirteen wards, with the district administration, led by DC Mokokchung, ADC, and police officials including SP Mokokchung, Additional SP, SDPO, other officials and District Public Relation Officer (DPRO) making multiple visits to the polling stations throughout the day.

In contrast, the elections in the three town councils of Changtongya, Mangkolemba, and Tuli under Mokokchung District were reported to have proceeded peacefully according to officials and the police department.

* ULB polling in Wokha concludes without any untoward incidents

Wokha District recently witnessed a voter turnout of 89.77% in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Election 2024, held today.

Hiazu Meru, the Election Officer, alongside the Wokha District Information and Public Relations (DIPR) team, meticulously inspected all polling stations across the wards. Each station was fortified with ample security personnel, ensuring a secure environment throughout. Although minor commotions were reported in some areas, law enforcement swiftly managed these situations, contributing to a peaceful electoral process.