Northeast Desk, 26th June: Nagaland on June 26 witnessed the commencement of the historic Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections, ending a two-decade-long resistance to the reservation of seats for women. Voters flocked to the polling stations early in the morning to cast their votes, marking the first municipal polls in the state to implement a 33 percent reservation for women.
The elections will determine the future of 523 candidates competing for 214 wards, representing 11 political parties. Voting is taking place across 420 polling stations.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio encouraged citizens to participate in the electoral process. In a message on X, he emphasized the importance of ULBs in urban management and development, urging all eligible voters to exercise their franchise.
Nagaland’s municipal landscape includes three municipal councils—Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung—and 36 town councils. The last ULB elections were held in 2004. In this election, six of the 19 wards in Kohima, eight of the 23 wards in Dimapur, and six of the 18 wards in Mokokchung have been reserved for women.
A total of 2,23,636 voters, including 1,10,115 males and 1,13,521 females, are eligible to vote in these elections.
To ensure a peaceful polling process, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. This order restricts the assembly of five or more people in public places within the jurisdiction of the councils, except within 100 meters of polling stations during the voting period. Movement from one ward to another and from adjoining villages to Municipal/Town Council areas on the day of the poll is also restricted, along with public meetings, processions, and unlawful assemblies related to the election.
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