STATEWIDE POLLING STANDS AT 81.98%; COUNTING OF VOTES TODAY
The re-poll at polling station no. 4 in Ward 20 under the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on Friday passed off peacefully, with 803 votes cast out of a total of 1,048 votes. Tight security measures were put into place at the polling station and surrounding areas to ensure a smooth conduct of the re-poll. At the entrance and surrounding areas, stringent security was observed where only individuals with valid vote and ID cards from Ward 20’s designated polling station were allowed entry, but they were barred from taking mobile phones, bags, and accessories inside.
Access was strictly limited to designated officials with passes from the State Election Commission, with even observers of political parties and candidates being denied entry. To vote, individuals also had to clear two levels of security check, first by executive assistant commissioners (EACs) checking ID cards at the gate, followed by presiding officers inside the station. Senior citizens and pregnant women were given priority to vote early amidst long queues.
Talking with this reporter, some of the voters expressed satisfaction at the security arrangement, appreciating the district administration and commissioner of police in this regard for ensuring smooth conduct of the re-poll.
Meanwhile, security personnel deployed at the polling station detained 10 individuals, including proxy voters and people from other wards and polling stations.
Overall polling 81.98%: State Election Commissioner TJ Longkumer informed that the overall poll percentage for all the Municipalities after updation stands at 81.98%. The counting of votes for the Municipal and Town council elections held across Nagaland after a gap of two decades will be held on Saturday. Counting will commences from 8 a.m. on wards.