SEC calls for free and fair ULB election in Nagaland

KOHIMA — The State Election Commission (SEC) for the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections has called for a free and fair election, urging all to uphold the due process of law and reject all forms of violence.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the state election commissioner, T John Longkumer, stated that the civic poll, which is under the scanner of the Supreme Court of India, will be conducted on June 26 as per the schedule.

While the commission faced challenges including disputes regarding the electoral roll and the requirement for candidates to be indigenous inhabitants of the state, he said, a total of 670 nominations were received for the polls.

Out of these, four nominations with incomplete documentation were rejected during scrutiny, 64 were elected uncontested, 79 withdrew, leaving 523 candidates in the fray.

Longkumer clarified that the High Court had dismissed a case concerning the inclusion of names in the electoral roll after the stipulated deadline. He added that while the SEC does not issue indigenous certificates, the commission has taken suo moto cognisance of the matter and have not received any formal complaints.

Regarding the incident in Dimapur where a sitting MLA had reportedly influenced a candidate’s withdrawal, he confirmed that the SEC received both verbal and written complaints on the same and has forwarded the matter to the Dimapur DC and Returning Officer for comment. Further action will be taken only after receiving their response, he said.

The SEC has also received a reply to their notice regarding the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and their non-participation in the election and the matter will be re-examined after the election, he said.

On silence period, polling time

He said that a 48-hour ban on public meetings will be in effect prior to the polling day, and this will be enforced by both the civil and police administrations.

Polling will commence at 7:30 am and end at 4 pm on June 26. Voters in line at the polling station at closing time will be allowed to cast their vote. The voting for the ULBs will be conducted using ballot papers, he informed.

Adequate forces in place

The SEC said that the Nagaland Police will be solely responsible for security during the polling process, with no outside security forces being deployed.

Supplementing this, IGP (Range) and State Police Nodal Officer Limasunep Jamir informed that with the withdrawal of candidates from eastern Nagaland, security efforts are focused on the western sector and the eight districts participating in the elections.

It may be noted that Chümoukedima and Niuland districts currently fall under Dimapur district.

Out of 570 polling stations in total, 229 have been categorised as hyper-sensitive, 209 sensitive, and 92 normal.

The state police has prepared a multi-layered security approach with the eight districts divided into 111 sectors, each with a sector commander and sector magistrate, supported by two sections of IRBs as ‘striking force’ to respond to any exigencies, besides other teams, Jamir said.

A total of 108 companies with 8,100 personnel, spanning 29 companies of NAPs, 38 IRB companies, 41 district executive force (DEF) companies, are deployed for security.

He also said that the government has contacted Ceasefire Monitoring Groups (CFMGs) to communicate with the Naga political groups, instructing them to refrain from carrying weapons, including those with card holders.

Joint control rooms have been set up in all districts to monitor the law and order situation, he said, assuring the public that all necessary legal measures will be taken to ensure peace and prevent any disturbances or violence.

Unlawful activities to be addressed

Jamir asserted that any attempts of impersonation, undue influence, bribery, or other unlawful actions to sway the election on polling day will be addressed according to the law of the land. He also reiterated the relevant laws and sections of the Indian Penal Code applicable for ensuring the smooth conduct of the election.

He confirmed that standard preventive measures are in place, including the seizure of narcotics and IMFL, though he acknowledged that specific guidelines for expenditure monitoring are not yet available. However, both the police and the election commission have the authority to seize any assets if deemed necessary.

Jamir further informed that adequate forces of NAPs and IRBs will be deployed for the counting process. He concluded by appealing to all voters, candidates, and political parties to adhere to the rule of law, ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.

L Jamithung Lotha, Secretary and State Nodal Officer, informed that the SEC office is in close communication with all deputy commissioners, with particular attention being paid to Dimapur and specific areas in Kohima.

He also clarified that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the SEC are different entities and do not share a common electoral roll.

Indigenous inhabitants can contest

Wonchio Odyuo, the SEC Secretary, assured that the commission is meticulously overseeing all aspects of the election process. Training for polling personnel and officers has been completed, and the deployment of polling staff is finalised.

Polling will take place in 24 municipalities and towns across the state and a total of 2,76,229 voters, including 1,36,062 males and 1,40,167 females, will participate in the election. All necessary measures are in place to ensure a free and fair election, he added.

Tsutsowe Kupa, Under Secretary of the SEC, clarified that according to Section 42D of the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA), candidates must be indigenous inhabitants of the state, and this requirement is not limited to only Nagas.