Guwahati, 27th April: After nearly two decades, the Nagaland government has greenlit the long-awaited urban local bodies (ULB) elections in the state, slated to take place on June 26, according to an official announcement.
The last municipal elections in Nagaland occurred in 2004, making this upcoming electoral event a significant milestone for the state’s governance structure.
The state Cabinet, convening in a meeting, granted administrative approval for the elections, as confirmed by a letter dispatched by the Municipal Affairs Department to the State Election Commissioner.
Remarkably, these elections will mark the first instance of municipal polls in Nagaland with a 33 percent reservation for women, underscoring a pivotal stride towards gender inclusivity in local governance.
Despite previous attempts by the government to initiate ULB elections, objections from tribal bodies and civil society organizations, particularly concerning the 33 percent women reservation and property taxation, had impeded progress.
In 2017, an endeavor by the T R Zeliang-led state government to conduct the elections was marred by violence, resulting in casualties and widespread damage to government property, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Zeliang ministry.
Even under the Neiphiu Rio-led all-party government, efforts to implement the 33 percent women reservation directive, as mandated by the Supreme Court, faced staunch opposition, prompting the cancellation of elections and the repeal of the 2001 Act in March 2023.
However, following subsequent deliberations, the Nagaland Assembly passed the new Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 in November, paving the way for the current electoral preparations.
The State Election Commission has diligently revised and updated the Electoral Roll for all 39 Municipal and Town councils, ensuring readiness for the impending elections and accommodating changes since November 2022.
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