As the dust settled with the counting and declaration of winners for the Urban Local Body (ULB) election on Saturday, allegations of discrepancies and lapses have emerged. Addressing a press conference, I. Temsu Jamir, the INC candidate from Ward No. 11 Sangtemla ward, highlighted some discrepancies and “injustice” during polling and counting. He pointed out that in polling station I, one extra vote was counted, and in polling station II, two votes were missing. Additionally, he alleged that there were lapses in using the blue paper seal and number corroboration in polling station I, and in polling station II, the ballot boxes were not properly wax-sealed, which raised objections from polling agents.
He further alleged that in form 17, some details were missing, including the signatures of the polling agents. Despite the authentication of the total number of votes cast by the presiding officers and polling agents in both stations, he said that discrepancies were noted during the counting process.
Temsu stated that he reported these lapses to the control room on polling day but received no response. The next day, Temsu said he informed the returning officer, who stated that information could not be provided as everything was now in the strong room, which he alleged was not secured according to norms.
Discrepancies discovered during counting led them to protest to the returning officer, who advised waiting for further consultation. While drafting a complaint letter, he said the results for Sangtemla ward No. 11 were abruptly declared, despite ongoing counting in other wards.
The returning officer’s response to the complaint letter mentioned a notification from the State Election Commission on June 27, which the INC candidate claimed they were unaware of since it was not addressed to any candidates or parties.
Meanwhile, DCC Mokokchung president Watimongba Aier, present at the conference, stated that the party would take up the issue legally regarding the June 27th notification issued by the State Election Commission.