1. Voting for the historic Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections began in Nagaland on June 26 after two decades of resistance to reserving seats for women.
2. Voters flocked to the polling booths early in the morning to cast their votes.
3. This election marks the first time municipal polls in the state will include a 33 percent reservation for women.
Kohima, June 26: Voting for the historic Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections began in Nagaland on June 26 after two decades of resistance to reserving seats for women. Voters flocked to the polling booths early in the morning to cast their votes.
This election marks the first time municipal polls in the state will include a 33 percent reservation for women.
The electoral process will determine the fate of 523 candidates vying for 214 wards. These candidates represent 11 political parties.
Voting is taking place across 420 polling stations.
Earlier, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio encouraged eligible voters to participate. He posted on X, “As Nagaland participates in the ULB elections, I request all eligible voters to cast your vote. ULBs are crucial as they provide a platform for citizens’ participation in the urban management and development of our towns and cities. Best wishes for a peaceful & successful polling day.”
As Nagaland participates in the ULB elections, I request all eligible voters to cast your vote. ULBs are crucial as they provide a platform for citizens' participation in urban management, & development of our towns & cities. Best wishes for a peaceful & successful polling day.
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) June 25, 2024
Nagaland has three municipal councils—Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung—and 36 town councils. The last elections were held in 2004. Six of the 19 wards in Kohima, eight out of 23 wards in Dimapur, and six out of 18 wards in Mokokchung are reserved for women.
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A total of 2,23,636 voters, including 1,10,115 males and 1,13,521 females, will exercise their franchise.
Meanwhile, on June 25, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, to maintain peace and public tranquillity during the election.
The order prohibits the assembly of five or more people in public places within the jurisdiction of the mentioned councils, except within 100 meters of the polling station during the polling period.
Movement from one ward to another or from adjoining villages to Municipal/Town Council on the day of the poll is restricted.
Public meetings, processions, and any unlawful assemblies related to the election are banned.
