Nagaland witnessed a historic moment on June 26 as voting for the Urban Local Bodies or ULBs began after 20 years, marking the first-ever municipal polls in the State to be held with 33 per cent reservation for women. Voters turned up early at the polling booths, eager to participate in the electoral process.
The elections will determine the fate of 523 candidates vying for 214 wards across 11 political parties. Voting is taking place at 420 polling stations.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio encouraged voters to participate, highlighting the importance of ULBs in urban management and development.
He wrote on X, “As Nagaland participates in the ULB elections, I request all eligible voters to cast your vote. ULBs are crucial as they provide a platform for citizens’ participation in urban management and development of our towns and cities. Best wishes for a peaceful & successful polling day.”
The State has three municipal councils – Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung – and 36 town councils. The last elections were held in 2004. Women have been reserved seats in several wards: six of the 19 wards in Kohima, eight out of 23 in Dimapur, and six out of 18 in Mokokchung.
A total of 2,23,636 voters, comprising 1,10,115 males and 1,13,521 females, are expected to cast their votes.
To ensure a peaceful election, Dimapur Commissioner of Police Kevithuto Sophie issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, on June 25. The order restricts the assembly of five or more people in public places within the councils’ jurisdiction, with exceptions for polling station areas within 100 meters during the polling period.
Movement between wards or from adjoining villages to Municipal or Town Councils is restricted, and public meetings, processions, and unlawful assemblies related to the election are banned.
