The State Election Commission (SEC) of Nagaland through its commissioner T. John Longkumer IPS (Retd) has addressed concerns regarding the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) and their decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections.
The issue came to light following reports in local newspapers and a letter received by the Commission on May 16, 2024.
The SEC acknowledged the context behind ENPO’s position but maintained that the approach of promoting collective abstention warranted careful reconsideration. While recognizing the constitutional right of every eligible citizen to vote– or to choose not to vote– the Commission emphasized that this right is fundamentally individual in nature. Reiterating the voting is a personal civic duty, anchored in the principle of “one person, one vote,” the SEC asserted that each voter must be free to exercise this right based on personal conscience, free from undue influence by any individual or organization.
The Commission called for a reasoned dialogue on the matter, underscoring the importance of upholding individual voter autonomy and the democratic process. The SEC also reiterated its dedication to conduct free and fair elections for all Municipal and Town Councils in the state, as announced on April 29, 2024. The SEC expressed hope that these elections will enable residents in municipal areas to fully exercise their constitutional right to vote and to contest in the elections, thereby contributing to the essential functions of local self-governance.
In this context, the SEC has urged the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization to reconsider its call for citizens to abstain from participating in the ongoing ULB elections. The Commission assured that all polling processes will proceed according to the scheduled timeline, ensuring that the democratic process is upheld.
Furthermore, the SEC has issued a cautionary statement regarding the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, highlighting significant legal and civic implications. The SEC emphasized that the ULB elections are under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court of India, which has issued notices of contempt to several state entities. It cautioned that any disruption or interference with the electoral process by individuals or organizations in defiance of the court’s orders could lead to serious legal consequences.
Moreover, the SEC underscored the vital role of ULBs, such as Municipal and Town Councils, in reflecting the aspirations and addressing the grievances of local communities. The active participation of citizens in these elections is crucial for the development and progress of municipalities.
The SEC stressed that the electoral process itself is as significant as the outcomes it aims to achieve, fostering community involvement and democratic governance.
It may be mentioned that on April 29, 2024, the ENPO declared its decision to abstain from involvement in the ULB election while reaffirming the February 23, 2024 Chenmoho resolution, which states that the “Citizens of Eastern Nagaland shall not participate in any Central & State Elections against the failure to settle the Government of India’s offer for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory through the Ministry of Home Affairs.”