1. 669 candidates filed nominations for Nagaland’s ULB elections on June 26.
2. 238 of these candidates are women, marking a historic 33% reservation.
3. The elections signify a significant step towards gender inclusivity in local governance.
Kohima, June 12: 669 candidates have submitted their nominations for the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections in Nagaland, scheduled for June 26.
Among these candidates, 238 are women, marking a significant step as the elections will feature a historic 33% reservation for women. This marks the first ULB elections in Nagaland in 20 years.
Past attempts to hold these elections faced challenges, including objections from tribal bodies and civil society organizations over issues such as reservation for women and taxation policies. These objections were based on concerns that such provisions could potentially infringe on the special rights guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
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In 2017, election plans were halted due to violent clashes, resulting in fatalities and property damage. Despite calls for abstention from the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), candidates from the ruling NDPP and BJP have participated in the nominations.
ENPO has been advocating for the creation of a ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’, asserting that the region has been neglected. They previously urged people to boycott participation in the Lok Sabha elections for the state’s lone seat.
The ULB election votes will be tallied on June 29, marking a significant moment in Nagaland’s political landscape.
