Nagaland is holding historic civic body elections, including a 33 per cent reservation for women for the first time in the state's history. The elections are a significant step towards greater gender representation and inclusivity in the state's political landscape.
Nagaland's 25 civic bodies are undergoing polling amid tight security measures in three municipalities and 22 town councils, marking a historic election after 20 years. Despite objections from tribal bodies and civil society organizations, the polls have been peaceful and security has been increased, as mentioned by an SEC official. He further stated that voting was conducted in 420 polling stations using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Polling for these elections began at 7:30 am and will continue until 4:00 pm, with tight security arrangements in place.
Over 2.23 lakh voters, including 1,13,521 women, are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. They were supposed to decide the fate of 523 candidates from 11 political parties. However, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO) has decided to withdraw from six districts in the region from the elections, demanding a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory'. The tribal bodies have compelled 59 nominations. Previously, the ENPO has also refrained from participating in the recently conducted April 19 Lok Sabha polls.
