Consequent upon the announcement of bye-election to Nagaland’s lone parliamentary constituency, the model code of conduct has come into effect and will remain in force till completion of the by-election process.
Addressing media persons at DC conference hall here on Friday afternoon, chief electoral officer (CEO) Abhijit Sinha said the model code of conduct will be applicable to all candidates and political parties, besides the Central and State governments.
He said while the gazette notification will be issued on May 3, the last date for filing nominations is May 10, scrutiny is on May 11, last day for withdrawal of nomination is May 14, polling is on May 28, counting on May 31 and the entire election process will be completed by June 2.
Sinha said the total number of electorate stands at 11,97,438, with 60,75,89 of them being male and the remaining 5,89,849 female voters.
He added that 2,196 polling stations will be set up in the State for the by-election, of which 474 will be in urban areas and 1,722 in rural areas.
He also mentioned that during the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the voter turnout was 88.25%, which in 2009 was 90.26%.
Stating that Electors’ Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) will be used during the by-poll, Sinha added that a voter can also use an identity card. However, the ECI will issue directive over use of identity cards prior to the poll, he added.
Twelve assistant returning officers will be assisting the CEO, who will be the returning officer, while the first level of checking electronic voting machines (EVMs) will start by next week.
Additional CEO Moa Aier informed the media that video cameras and web cams will be installed in all the 2,196 polling stations and vulnerability of the polling stations will be identified by deputy commissioners of the respective districts.
As per the model code of conduct, no minister, whether from the Centre or State, shall combine in any manner his or her official tours with election work after announcement of the by-election schedule.
Also, visits to districts where by-election will be held and where model code of conduct is in force will have to be private in nature and, in case a minister travels through a district where the by-election is being held en route to any other districts on official visit, he or she should not attend to any political party.
84.27% voter turnout in last Assembly election
Almost two months after the Assembly election was held, chief electoral officer (CEO) Abhijit Sinha has said that the percentage of voter turnout in the State was 84.27%.
Interacting with the media here on Friday, the CEO said Longleng district reported the highest voter turnout with 92.28%, followed by Mon and Pughoboto districts with 91.49% and 90.23% respectively.
He said Peren district recorded the lowest turnout with 76.81%, followed by Dimapur with 79.33%.