The State Election Commission (SEC), in partial modification of the Election programme notified on December 21, 2016, has extended the time for filing of nominations for the forthcoming civic body polls to January 9, 2017 till 3 p.m.
Informing this through a notification, the State Election Commissioner (SEC), Sentiyanger Imchen however stated that the extension period would be applicable only in those Municipal/Town Councils where no nominations were received till January 7.
The time period was extended after the Commission took note that some candidates were not able to file their nominations due to the boycott through obstructions, bandhs and other forms of threat and intimidation, Imchen stated. SEC further informed that the list of nominated candidates would be posted on January 9 after 3 p.m.
Kohima Correspondent adds: Sentiyanger Imchen, talking to media persons here on Saturday evening also informed that the Commission, based on the requests of the Returning Officers, has allowed the officials to change the venue for filing of nominations for Kohima, Medziphema and Changtongya.
Since the Commission can only grant permission to change the venue, Imchen, in this regard stated that the ROs could choose a convenient place and mention the venue in the official notification in their respective administrative office.
He said the same request was granted for Mokokchung and Chumukedima on Friday.
To queries whether nominations would allowed on Sunday, Imchen said official works would be held only during working days and not on holidays or Sundays.
With regards to time for filing of nominations, Imchen said the procedure would be as usual (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), however, depending on the situation, RO may fix the time to start early or otherwise.
When asked if more time would be extended in case candidates fail to file nominations on Monday in view of bandh at several places, Imchen categorically said that there was no way to continue extending the date of nominations indefinitely.