Polling for elections to 25 civic bodies in Nagaland commenced on Wednesday morning under tight security arrangements. This historic election marks the first urban local body polls in the state in 20 years, incorporating 33 percent women reservation for the first time.
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- Polling is being conducted for three municipalities and 22 town councils.
- Voting started at 7:30 am and will continue until 4:00 pm.
- Over 2.23 lakh voters, including 1,13,521 women, are eligible to vote.
- A total of 523 candidates from 11 political parties are contesting.
- Voting is taking place through ballot papers in 420 polling stations.
- This is the first urban local body election in Nagaland with 33 percent women reservation.
- Previous elections were delayed due to objections from tribal bodies and civil society organizations.
- Security has been significantly increased to ensure a peaceful voting process.
- The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has decided not to participate in the elections.
- ENPO, representing seven Naga tribes, is demanding a ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ due to perceived regional neglect.
- The ENPO also abstained from the April 19 Lok Sabha polls for the state’s lone seat.
