Nagaland: 96.25% turnout in 43-Tapi bye-election

KOHIMA — The bye-election to the 43-Tapi  Assembly Constituency was conducted on Tuesday to decide the fate of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate Wangpang Konyak and Indian National Congress’ Wanglem Konyak.

According to Vyasan R, the state chief electoral officer, the polling process was conducted without any untoward incidents, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere throughout.

Electors of the constituency exercised their right to vote in all 23 polling stations.

By the end of the polling, which concluded at 4 pm, the voter turnout reached an impressive 96.25%.

The bye-election was necessitated following the demise of Noke Wangnao, advisor of Social Welfare dept. of the NDPP, on Aug. 28 this year.

While the NDPP will want to retain the seat it had won earlier this year, the INC will be eager to open its account after failing to win a single seat for two consecutive elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

The outcome of the bye-election may not have an impact on the ruling government with an all-party government in place, but both parties will want to win in view of the crucial Lok Sabha election next year. For Congress, a victory will also boost its morale after a long draught as well as remove the opposition-less tag of the state government if it decides not to jump on the bandwagon.

Also read: Nagaland: 43-Tapi bye-election tomorrow