Scrutiny of nominations and meetings for assembly elections

After the process of filing of nominations for the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election 2023 ended on Tuesday, Returning Officers (ROs) of various Assembly Constituencies have conducted scrutiny of candidates on Wednesday.
Wokha: Scrutiny for 37-Tyui A/C and 38-Wokha A/C was held at Deputy Commissioner’s office, Wokha. For 37-Tyui A/C, the nomination papers of Yanthungo Patton (BJP), Senchumo Lotha (JDU), Yibemo Kikon (RJD) and Hayithung Tungoe Lotha (Independent) were scrutinised by the Returning Officer (RO). After scrutiny, the nomination papers of the candidates were found to be correct and were declared qualified to contest the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election 2023.
For 38th Wokha A/C, the nomination papers of Y. Mhonbemo Lotha (NCP), Renponthung Ezung (BJP) and N. Wobenthung Lotha (INC) were scrutinised. All the candidate’s nomination papers were also found to be correct and the RO of 38th A/C declared their candidature qualified.
Accompanied by former MLA Yankithung Yanthan, ex-candidates Dr. Thungjamo Murrry, Chobathung Odyuo and Wokha district BJP president Subenthung Kithan along with swarm of BJP supporters, deputy chief minister Y Patton marched from his residence Wokha in an open gypsy till DC office.
With the merger of the former MLA Y. Yanthan and his supporters and all the former candidates, Patton exuded confidence to win the election with a remarkable margin.
Tens of thousands of supporters of Renponthung Ezung thronged the town during the scrutiny hour.
Phek: Scrutiny for the candidates in respect of the 19-Phek A/C of Phek district was conducted at the office chamber of the Returning Officer, Phek. The RO carried out the scrutiny in respect of all the three candidates from various political parties viz. Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu of NPF, Kupota Khesoh of NDPP and Zachilhu Ringa Vadeo of Congress. RO Phek, T. Moa Lemtor declared all three candidates as qualified to contest from 19-Phek AC to the 14th NLA election. DC & DEO Phek, Kumar Ramnikant attended the scrutiny session as observer.
Noklak: H. Haiying of BJP, P. Longon of NCP and P. Mulang of INC were cleared their scrutiny of nomination. Returning Officer & SDO (Civil) Noklak for 56th A/C Noklak, Vikhoto Richa and Assistant Returning Officer & EAC, Noklak Hq. Kathyinla declared them as candidates to contest during the general election to the 14th NLA election 2023 from 56th A/C Noklak.
Shamator: The scrutiny of all candidates was carried out in RO office Shamator in the presence of the General Observer and all candidates. Deputy Commissioner, Shamator, Thsuvisie Phoji who is also the District Magistrate, has informed and directed all the village councils/landowners under Shamator district to avoid any such disruption in the running of generators by telecom services providers for the smooth and efficient conduct of election activities in the district. Any violation related to this issue will invite necessary action as per the relevant section of the law.
Thonoknyu: L. Khumo Khiamniungan of LJP, S. Heno Khiamniungan of NDPP and Benei M Lamthiu of NPP were declared as candidates to contest during the general election to the 14th NLA from 57 A/C Thonoknyu. Returning Officer & SDO (Civil) Thonoknyu, C. Wangan for 57 A/C Thonoknyu and Assistant Returning Officer & EAC Panso, Echongbemo Erui declared them after the scrutiny of nomination which was held at the DC & DEO’s office, Noklak.
Bhandari: Scrutiny of nominations filed by the five candidates under 40 A/C Bhandari for the 14th NLA election 2023 was carried out peacefully. The five candidates, Mmhonlumo Kikon (BJP), Achumbemo Kikon (NPF), Chenithung Humtsoe (INC), Tsungro Kithan (NPP) and John Ovung (Independent) were all present during the scrutiny conducted in the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer 40 A/C Bhandari, Rohit Singh at his office.
4 Ghaspani-I: Scrutiny of candidates for 4 Ghaspani-I was held at DC’s Conference Hall Chumoukidima. Nominations papers for five candidates, namely Jacob Zhimomi (BJP), Imsumongba Pongen (JDU), Akavi N Zhimomi (INC), Vikato Aye (NPF) and V Pushika Aomi (IND) were found valid and approved by the RO & ARO. Nomination papers for Dr. Amos Longkumer (RJD) were rejected on the grounds of incomplete documents during the scrutiny stage.
Kiphire: Nine candidates were qualified for the forthcoming general election for 59 & 60 A/C which was conducted at DC Office Kiphire. Five candidates were qualified for 59 A/C Seyochung-Sitimi, V. Kashiho Sangtam (BJP), S. Khaseo Sangtam (INC), C. Kipili Sangtam (NPP), Kyupise Sangtam (Independent) and T. Likhumse (Independent). Four candidates who were qualified for 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire are T. Atsuba (INC), S. Kiusumew Yimchunger (NDPP), T. Yangseo Sangtam (RPI) and R. Kilimong Yimchunger (Independent).
Peren: Scrutiny of nomination papers for the upcoming general election to the 14th NLA of 7-Peren A/C and 6-Tening AC was held at ADC office, Peren Town. The scrutiny was done by Returning Officers (ROs) of 7-Peren A/C and 6-Tening A/C in the presence of General Observer, Manoj Kumar, candidates, and agents.
Ghaspani-II: General Election Observer to the 14th NLA election 2023 Jitendra Kumar Singh, visited ADC-cum-RO office Medziphema for the 5 Ghaspani-II A/C on February 8. He held a briefing on the smooth conduct of the forthcoming election process. Scrutiny of nominations for the 60 seats for the 14th NLA election was held. In 5 Ghaspani-II 3 candidates namely, Zhaleo Rio (NDPP), Kitoka S Rotokha (LJP (Ram Vilas), and Z Kasheto Yeptho RPI (A) filed nominations. All three candidates were declared valid after scrutiny for the 14th NLA elections.
Observers hold meetings
Noklak: Election Expenditure Observer for 56th A/C Noklak and 57th A/C Thonoknyu, Arvind Kumar Gehlot, held a meeting with DC & DEO Noklak K. Mhathung Tsanglao, Retuning Officer for 56th A/C Noklak Vikhoto Richa, Returning Officer of 57th A/C Thonoknyu C. Wangan, Assistant Expenditure Observers of 56th A/C & 57 A/C, accounting team and all the political parties at DC conference Hall, Noklak on February 8.
According to DIPR report, Gehlot explained in detail the procedures and rules on the expenditure of the candidates during the time of the election campaign. He elaborated on how to maintain the bank account of all the candidates. He also spoke on the ground that if the candidates did not follow the guidelines of Election Expenditure, then it will even go for disqualification of their candidates.
DC & DEO Noklak, K. Mhathung Tsanglao explained the rates of hiring and charges during the election campaign of the candidates. He informed the political parties with regard to the inspection of the expenditure of candidates. DC & DEO Noklak elaborated on how to get permission from respective ROs of 56th A/C Noklak & 57th A/C Thonoknyu or through the Suvidha App. He also spoke on the daily and overall expenditure of the candidates and its limitations.
Shamator: The General Observer along with the District Magistrate, Nodal Officers, Sector Magistrates and all concerned officers held a brief meeting at DC’s Conference Hall Shamator on February 7. The observer took note of all the situations and briefed about the preparedness for the peaceful and successful conduct of the upcoming election.
Kiphire: Concerning the ensuing general election 2023, Assistant Expenditure Observer training for 59 & 60 A/C was held on February 8, at the DC’s conference hall, Kiphire.
Expenditure Observer B.K Vishnu Priya, while briefing the team directed the members to take note of all the guidelines and inspect, check and ensure that everything goes in accordance with the model code of conduct. She advised to record and check all the contact numbers and social media accounts of candidates. EO Vishnu also asked various team members to create separate WhatsApp groups for 59 and 60 AC, to avoid confusion while reporting. “Ensure proper channel of communication among the team,” EO said.