Staff Reporter/Correspondent/DIPR
DIMAPUR/WOKHA, JUN 19 (NPN): NPF candidates won the by-elections to Ward-11 under Chümoukedima Town Council and Ward-8 under Wokha Town Council, while an Independent candidate emerged victorious in Ward-9 under Atoizu Town Council. The results of the by-elections, held on June 16, were declared on Friday.
According to State Election Commission (SEC), NPF candidate Neichü-u Kuotsu defeated BJP candidate Kezhangutuo Zhotso in Ward-11 (Chaara), Chümoukedima Town Council, by a margin of 90 votes. Kuotsu secured 326 votes, accounting for 58.01% of the valid votes cast, while Zhotso polled 236 votes (41.99%). Of the 566 votes cast, four were declared invalid.
In Ward-8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under Wokha Town Council, NPF candidate Ar. Aling Lotha won by a margin of 37 votes, securing 296 valid votes with a vote share of 53.33%.
BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe polled 259 valid votes, accounting for 46.67% of the valid votes cast.
Out of 565 votes polled, 10 were declared invalid.
In Ward-9 (Samba Ghoki) under Atoizu Town Council, Independent candidate Inaka Z. Chishi defeated NPF candidate G. Shikavi Kiba by 17 votes. Of the 188 votes cast, one was declared invalid. Chishi secured 102 valid votes (54.55%), while Kiba received 85 votes (45.45%).
The State Election Commission acknowledged the role of election officials, district administrations, security personnel, observers, polling personnel, support staff, participating departments, electors, media organisations, ward authorities and civil society organisations in ensuring the smooth conduct of the election process.
State Election Commissioner T. John Longkumer congratulated the winning candidates and wished them success.
In a separate notification, the SEC stated that with the completion of the election process and declaration of results, the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect from the date of notification of the election programme, would cease to be in force from the midnight of June 19.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) congratulated Neichü-u Kuotsu and Ar. Aling Lotha on their victories in Chümoukedima and Wokha respectively. The party thanked voters of both wards for their support and confidence in its candidates.
It also expressed gratitude to voters of Ward-9, Atoizu Town Council, for their support to NPF candidate G. Shikavi Kiba and said it respected the democratic verdict. The party further thanked the State Election Commission for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.