KOHIMA: Nagaland is set for its upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections scheduled for June 26.

Nagaland State Election Commissioner and retired DGP, T John Longkumer, announced on Friday (June 21) that all security and election-related processes are in place and proceeding on schedule.

Addressing the media following a Nagaland State Election Commission (SEC) meeting with election nodal officers, Longkumer disclosed that out of 670 candidates who filed nominations, 523 are contesting in the ULB elections.

Certificates have been issued to 64 candidates elected unopposed, while 79 nominations were withdrawn, and four were rejected.

“This election comes after a 20-year hiatus since the last ULB elections in 2004,” Longkumer said.

“All traditional, customary, and political issues have been resolved amicably among all stakeholders, drawing significant attention from the entire country and the judiciary.”

Longkumer urged for a calm, free, and fair election, appealing to all to abstain from violence.

Polling will begin at 7:30 AM and conclude at 4:00 PM, with possible extensions if voters are still in line.

The Nagaland SEC reported 587 valid nominations as of June 18, with rejections due to incomplete documentation, including one from Dimapur Municipal Council, one from Atoizu Town Council, and two from Shamator Town.

Among the 64 unopposed candidates, 45 are from the NDPP, five from the NCP, seven from the BJP, two from the NPF, three from the INC, and two are independent candidates.

The total voter count stands at 276,229, including 136,062 males and 142,167 females.

Highlighting the Supreme Court’s oversight, Longkumer expressed confidence in adhering to the provided timeline.

He also noted that the Nagaland SEC is prepared for any necessary re-polls.

Legal issues, such as the inclusion of names in the electoral roll post-deadline and indigenous inhabitant status of candidates, were also addressed.

Longkumer clarified that the Nagaland SEC operates within its jurisdiction and relies on state-issued certificates for such matters.

Security measures for the elections include a three-tier system, as detailed by IGP (Range) and State Security Officer Limasunep Jamir.

The 278 wards and 530 polling stations are classified into 90 normal, 209 sensitive, and 229 hyper-sensitive stations.

A total of 8100 personnel will be deployed, comprising NAP, IRB, and district executive forces.

Pre-poll security measures involve area patrolling and ensuring compliance with the MCC, prohibiting the carrying of arms even with permits. Joint control rooms have been established in all districts to monitor the situation.

Jamir assured that the state security forces are well-prepared to handle any eventualities, ensuring a peaceful election.

“Any attempts to influence the election through impersonation, bribery, or other means will be dealt with as per the law,” he stated.

The Nagaland SEC also announced that public meetings will be prohibited 48 hours before polling day, enforced by civil and police administrations.