Nagaland Council Dimapur (NCD) said that the recently concluded Urban Local Body (ULB) elections across the state with 33% woman reservation was historic and a remarkable electoral event.
In a press note, NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon and general secretary L.K. Peter Anal acknowledged that despite initial apprehensions and assumptions about women reservation, a new era for women’s representation in policy-making bodies in the state has been established. This opportunity has led to the election of efficient women candidates with leadership qualities to shape the new generation.
NCD also appreciated the implementation of the “one man one vote” principle in most polling stations, which they deemed essential for a democratic election to choose the right leaders. This practice aims to ensure “clean elections” in society and should be followed in all forms of democratic elections.
The council also noted that the youth refrained from interfering in the ULB elections, allowing genuine voters to exercise their rights freely and elect rightful leaders. This, according to NCD, resulted in the current elected members of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) having the full public mandate.
NCD highlighted that out of many aspirants, several young, dynamic, and committed leaders have been elected, aiming for the development and progress necessary to bring about societal change.
The council noted that the election was carried out with excellent coordination among police personnel, district administration, and citizens of the district. The systematic and professional management of polling stations and situations by the security personnel significantly contributed to peaceful polling in Dimapur and neighboring districts. This was especially evident during the re-polling at Ward 20, Polling Station 4, which demonstrated the efficiency and professionalism of all involved, it said.
NCD, on behalf of the civil society organizations, extended heartfelt congratulation to all the elected Dimapur Municipal Council and East Dimapur Town Council members. The council declared full support and cooperation to the members for the development of the district and for maintaining harmonious peaceful coexistence among the citizens.
Further, NCD extended deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Commissioner of Police Kevithuto Sophie and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang under whose strategic planning and supervision the ULB election was conducted peacefully.
NCD also expressed appreciation to all ranks and file of the police and district administration for their excellent security measures and disciplined performance of their assigned duties during the election at the grassroots level, which concluded without any untoward incidents.
The council also acknowledged DMC administrator and Returning Officer W. Manpai Phom and all polling personnel for their excellent arrangement and management of the ULB election. It also appreciated the wholehearted cooperation of GBs, colony chairmen, DUCCF, GB Union Dimapur, NWHD, DNSU, CSOs, and all the communities/residents of wards for maintaining democratic discipline, adhering to the “One man, One vote” principle at the polling stations.
It was due to these collective and concerted efforts that the ULB election was held smoothly, despite some incidents in one polling station which necessitated a re-poll on June 28, 2024. Nevertheless, the election was noted as the most democratic, disciplined, and well-managed election ever witnessed in Nagaland.
NCD said it was again looking forward to the joint cooperation of Dimapur citizens and the newly elected members of DMC and EDTC to bring tangible development and progress. The council emphasized the importance of working together to change the face of Dimapur, recognizing it as the index of Nagaland State.