The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) clinched a resounding victory in Nagaland’s civic body elections, capturing all three municipal councils and securing a significant majority in most town councils. The polls for the 24 urban local bodies, including three municipal councils and 21 town councils, were conducted via ballot papers across 10 districts on Wednesday, election officials said, as per news agency PTI. An impressive voter turnout of nearly 82 per cent was reported among the over 2.23 lakh eligible voters.
NDPP emerged victorious in all three municipal councils of Kohima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur, consolidating its position across the state. In the 21 town councils, NDPP claimed a majority in most, except for Wokha, Phek, and Tuli where it faced stiff competition, as per PTI. Notably, NDPP did not field candidates in Bhandari and Niuland town councils.
In Wokha Town Council, NDPP secured seven seats out of 15, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged five and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured three seats. Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) made significant gains in Bhandari and Phek town councils, winning the majority in both.
The margins of victory varied, with some contests decided by narrow margins such as in Chantongya Town Council and Pfutsero Town Council, where NDPP candidates won by just one vote. Conversely, in Dimapur’s ward 7, the victory margin was substantial, with NPP’s Nikali Sumi Chophi defeating their closest competitor by 568 votes.
The youngest winner, 22-year-old Nzanrhomi I Mozhui from BJP, secured victory in Bhandari Town Council’s ward 1, while the oldest winner, 71-year-old Sibeule from NDPP, triumphed in Peren Town Council’s ward 6, PTI reported.
The NDPP had previously secured all nine wards of Chiephobozou Town Council in Kohima district uncontested, exhibiting its electoral dominance.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to X and congratulated his party on the impressive poll performance. “Congratulations to the winning candidates in the ULB elections. I extend my best wishes as you take on the responsibilities to address civic issues. I’m confident your dedication will lead to positive changes, and fulfillment of the public’s expectations in your respective wards,” he wrote.
Congratulations to the winning candidates in the ULB elections. I extend my best wishes as you take on the responsibilities to address civic issues. I’m confident your dedication will lead to positive changes, and fulfillment of the public’s expectations in your respective wards.
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 29, 2024
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Nagaland Civic Body Polls
A total of 523 candidates representing 11 political parties contested the elections, with NDPP fielding the highest number at 178 candidates. The elections, which marked a historic moment as the first municipal elections with 33 per cent reservation for women in Nagaland, were conducted peacefully, according to State Election Commissioner T John Longkumer.
However, the elections did not cover all 39 town councils of Nagaland, as 14 councils in the eastern districts boycotted the polls in line with objections raised by tribal bodies over issues including women’s reservation and property taxes. The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), representing seven Naga tribes in these districts, has been advocating for a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’, citing historical neglect.
Regarding concerns over election conduct, State Election Commissioner Longkumer addressed issues related to viral videos allegedly showing state Advisor Hekani Jakhalu entering polling stations in Dimapur, stating that investigations were underway, PTI reported. Police Nodal Officer Rankathung Vikram Ezung highlighted that 21 law and order cases were registered since the enforcement of the model code of conduct, resulting in 22 arrests.
The civic body elections in Nagaland were held after a hiatus of two decades
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