TJ Longkumer appointed as SEC for municipal elections

KOHIMA — The Government of Nagaland has appointed retired Director General of Police, Nagaland, T John Longkumer as the state election commissioner for municipal elections.

An order in the Nagaland Gazette (extraordinary) dated Jan. 30, stated that the appointment comes into effect from the date of assuming charge, for a period of five years or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

As per the order, the terms and conditions of the appointment of Longkumer as the SEC will be regulated in accordance with Rule 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the State Election Commissioner (Condition of Service) Rule, 2023.

Mention may be made that the state government had passed the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, and is set to conduct elections to the urban local bodies (ULB) after more than a decade.

This is a significant development for the state as the amended act includes 33% reservation for women candidates, marking a step towards increased political participation for women in Nagaland.

This is also in line with the constitutional provision of 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies.

Earlier, the Nagaland government had assured the Supreme Court of India that the election process to ULBs would be completed by April 30, 2024.