669 candidates file nominations for civic polls in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The nomination process for elections to urban local bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland concluded on Tuesday, with 669 candidates submitting their papers.

The ULB polls, scheduled to take place on June 26, is the first-ever municipal elections in the State with a quota for women.

As per an update from the State Election Commission (SEC), out of the total, 238 women filed nominations for the election which will be held in three municipal councils and 36 town councils. The state has 418 wards spread across these councils, with 142 wards reserved for women.

Notably, 61 candidates filed nominations in various councils across eastern Nagaland where the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has called for abstention from all state and central elections including the civil polls.

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) fielded the highest number of candidates with 256, followed by 210 Independent candidates.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have filed 62 and 43 nominations respectively, while the National Congress Party (NCP) has filed 30 nominations; Naga People’s Front (NPF) 24; National People’s Party (NPP) 21; Janata Dal (United) nine; Republican Party of India (Athawale) seven; Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) six; and a lone nomination from the Rising People’s Party (RPP).

As per the SEC notification, scrutiny of papers is scheduled on June 13. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 20.

Counting of votes will take place on June 29.