Kohima, Jan. 7: In partial notification to the election programme, the State Election Commission–in exercise of the powers under sub rule (7) of Rule 20 of the Municipal Election Rules 2003–on Saturday extended the period of filing nominations to the municipal and town councils to January 9, 2017, up to 3 pm.
However, the extension is given only to those municipal and town councils where no single nomination was received within the stipulated time, that is till 3 pm on January 7.
As per the notification issued by the State Election Commissioner Sentiyanger Imchen, the extension had been given as no nominations could be filed in some municipal and town councils, due to the boycott of the elections through obstructions, bandhs and other forms of threat and intimidation.
The extension is granted basing on request so as to give another opportunity to the candidates who are willing to file their nomination papers. “The Commission has examined the matter and based on the inputs received from the Returning Officers and District Administration, have found merit in the request made to the Commission,” the notification said.
With the extension, it was also informed that the list of the nominated candidates would be posted only after 3 pm on January 9. The directions issued with regard to the electoral roll, the identification of voters and model code of conduct will remain the same as notified earlier, it was informed.
On a query whether there will be filing of nomination papers on Sunday, the election commissioner clarified that the extension has been extended to Monday as January 8 (Sunday) is a holiday.
Meanwhile, the Election Commissioner informed that he had permitted for change of venue for five municipals council including Kohima, Chumukedima, Medziphema, Mokokchung and Changtongnya.
Therefore, the respective Returning Officers for the mentioned municipal and town councils have been given the charge to decide on the venue and time period of filing. “There can always be a consideration for change of venue. As and when the election commissioner permits, the full charge is been given to the respective Returning Officers. However, the ROs have to officially notify when and where the nominations would be filed,” Imchen stated. Talking to Eastern Mirror, the Returning Officer for Kohima Municipal Council said the time period for filing of nominations on Monday will remain the same - that is from 11 am to 3 pm.
Though the first extension has been given, it is unlikely that the second extension will be granted if even if the public goes to the extent of boycotting or carry out another bandh on Monday, the State Election Commissioner informed.
The scrutiny of nomination papers is on January 10, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is on January 17. The election to the Urban Local Bodies is scheduled on February 1.
