Northeast Desk, 19th April: In a bold move ahead of Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha election, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has taken a resolute stand against the indefinite total shutdown imposed by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) across Eastern Nagaland.
Effective from 6 p.m. on April 18, the shutdown has sparked concerns over its potential to disrupt the electoral process on the eve of polling day.
Responding swiftly, the CEO’s office issued a show-cause notice to the president of ENPO, invoking Sub-Section (1) of Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This action reflects the CEO’s apprehension regarding the shutdown’s perceived attempt to unduly influence the critical phase of elections.
While exemptions were granted for certain groups by the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room (ENPECR), including government officials on election duty, security forces, and medical services, the CEO’s office voiced apprehensions that the shutdown could impede the exercise of voting rights in Eastern Nagaland.
Citing legal provisions, the notice emphasizes that any voluntary interference with the free exercise of electoral rights constitutes the offense of undue influence at an election. Directed specifically at the president of ENPO, the notice underscores their accountability and oversight over the ENPECR.
This directive underscores the electoral authorities’ commitment to upholding a fair and transparent electoral process, ensuring the unimpeded exercise of voting rights for all residents in Eastern Nagaland. The president of ENPO has been called upon to promptly address the concerns raised by the CEO’s office regarding potential interference in the electoral process.
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