State Election Commissioner (SEC) T. John Longkumer expressed its gratitude to the people, entire election machinery including security forces for their dedication and commitment in providing a smooth and peaceful conduct of the Urban Local Body (ULB) polls across Nagaland.
Addressing the media, Longkumer extended special congratulations to Naga women, highlighting that 198 women filed for nomination, making this the first election with reservations for women.
Longkumer mentioned that everything went well except for one polling station in Dimapur Ward 20 at polling station 4 where repoll was held on Saturday. In another incident in Mokokchung, the Congress party lodged a formal complaint to the Returning Officer, and a case has been registered under the relevant section of the Nagaland Municipal Act.
As per the data presented by the office of the State police nodal officer, preventive detention of 553 individuals was carried out across the state, with 300 from Dimapur.
Police recovered a weapon from an abandoned vehicle (Maruti alto) in Dimapur. Both the vehicle and the weapon have been seized, and an investigation is ongoing.
Further, 21 cases were registered, and 22 people were arrested due to scuffles or unpleasant incidents.
Police also seized cash amounting to Rs. 2,48,730 from a vehicle (Indica) and the person detained until the end of polling. The person was later released after verification, as there was no expenditure notification limit.
SEC said that the election emphasized free and fair voting, serving as a template for future elections were many adhered to “one man, one vote” and “one woman, one vote.”
With regard to the alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct by advisor Hekani Jakhalu, SEC said they were yet to receive a formal complaint. He said that since SEC was not an investigating agency or court, they would await the report from the presiding officer.
When asked about the absence of the option of NOTA, nodal officer T. Kupa explained that the rules of the state act do not require NOTA unlike ECI. He, however, said that it can be considered in the future if needed.
SEC under secretary Tsutsowe Kupa noted that over 80% of voters participated in this historic election and appealed for even greater participation in the future. He credited the media for raising awareness and providing extensive coverage.
Security Measures: Police nodal officer Rankathung Vikram Ezung said that Section 144 has been extended until 6 a.m. of June 29 and urged all to adhere to the prohibitory orders.
He also congratulated the district SPs and all police personnel for their duties ensuring a fair election.