The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) dominated the Nagaland civic body elections held on June 26, sweeping all three municipal councils and a majority of town councils, officials said on Saturday.
NDPP emerged as the dominant force, securing a total of 152 seats across various Municipal and Town Councils, according to data released by the State Election Commission. The BJP also performed notably, winning 25 seats. Independent candidates made a significant impact, claiming 56 seats. Other political parties collectively secured 44 seats.
The elections were held across 10 districts, where a total of 1,84,126 electors, constituting 81.6 per cent had cast their votes for electing candidates in 214 wards for 24 urban local bodies.
The results were declared on June 29. The counting began at 8 a.m. in 16 centers and proceeded slowly due to the use of ballot papers.
The NDPP won majority in three municipal councils—Kohima(14/19), Mokokchung (15/18), and Dimapur(13/23). NDPP could not win majority in Wokha, Bhandari, and Phek, where other parties like NCP and NPF gained ground.
According to State Election Commissioner TJ Longkumer, out of 198 women candidates, 102 including eight in unreserved wards emerged victorious, making a significant milestone in the history of elections in the state.
Election Highlights: Oldest female winner: Sibeule (71) from Peren Ward 6 of NDPP. Youngest female winner: Nzanrhoni I Mozhui (22) from Bhandari Ward 1 of BJP. Youngest male winner: Nathan Kent (25) from Tseminyu Ward 5 of JDU.
In terms of vote share, Yimkumba of NDPP of Ward-12 under Dimapur Municipal Council won with the biggest margin of 3344 votes over his nearest rival candidate.
SEC said that the candidates with the narrowest winning margin were from NDPP—Temjennungsang Ward 8 under Changtongya Town Council, Kadielhi Mero Ward 6 of Pfutsero Town Council and Lathaingam Ruangmei of Ward 9 under Jalukie Town Council won the election by a critical margin of mere 1 vote.
MCC lifted: With the declaration of the results of the Municipal and Town Council elections 2024 and completion of the election process, the State Election Commission on Saturday notified lifting of the Model Code of Conduct with effect from midnight of June 29.