Campaigning for 43-Tapi bye-election in Nagaland set to end

DIMAPUR — Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, Vyasan R, has notified that the campaigning period for bye-election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 43-Tapi  Assembly Constituency in Mon district, will end at 4 pm on Sunday, November 5.

The polling will be conducted on November 7 to fill the seat left vacant by the demise of late legislator Wangnao Konyak.

The CEO, in a press release, informed that as per Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, there will be prohibition of public meeting during the period of forty-eight hours, ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the constituency.

Accordingly, no person will convene, hold or attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with an election; display any election matter to the public by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus; or propagate any election matter to the public by holding, or by arranging the holding of, any musical concert or any theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement, with a view to attracting the members of the public thereto.

Any person who contravenes this provision shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to two years, or with fine, or with both, as per Section 126.

“In view of the fact that after the closure of campaign period no campaign can take place within the constituency, presence of political functionaries and party workers, who have been brought from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency, should not remain present in the constituency as their continued presence after end of campaign period may undermine the atmosphere for free and fair poll,” the release stated. 

The CEO also reminded the district election administration and police to ensure that all political functionaries leave the constituency immediately after the campaign period is over.

“However, the said restriction may not be insisted upon the office bearer of the political party who is in-charge of the state. Such office bearer of the political party shall declare his place of stay in the state headquarters and his movement during the period in question shall remain confined normally between his party office and place of his stay,” the release added.

It may be mentioned that the upcoming bye-election will be a straight fight between Wangpang Konyak of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and Wanglem Konyak of the Indian National Congress (INC).

The counting of votes will be held on December 3.

Also read: Nagaland bye-election 2023: NDPP, Congress candidates file nomination papers