NDPP dominates Nagaland ULB elections 2024, secures 153 seats

Guwahati: The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has achieved a sweeping victory in the historic Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections in Nagaland 2024, securing 153 out of the 278 available seats.

This landmark election, held after a gap of 20 years, saw polling on June 26 across three municipal councils (Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung) and 23 town councils. Votes were counted in 16 approved centers across the state.

A total of 184,126 electors, representing 81.66% of the eligible voters, cast their votes to elect candidates in 214 wards across 24 municipalities and town councils.

Of the 278 contested seats, 176 were male candidates and 102 were female candidates, with 64 candidates being elected unopposed.

The election, which included a one-third reservation for women, witnessed a substantial number of women participating. State Election Commissioner T. John Longkumer highlighted that a record 102 women candidates, including 8 in unreserved wards, won their seats, marking a significant milestone for women’s representation in the state.

In six districts of Eastern Nagaland, no elections were held due to either a lack of contestants or the withdrawal of all intending candidates in response to a general abstention call by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation.

Youngest and Oldest Candidates

The youngest winning candidate, Nzanrhoni I. Mozhui (22) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Ward 1 under Bhandari Town Council, and the oldest winning candidate, Sibeule (71) from NDPP representing Ward 6 under Peren Town Council, were both female.

Yimkumba of NDPP won from Ward 12 under Dimapur Municipal Council with the largest margin of 3,344 votes. Conversely, the narrowest winning margins of just 1 vote were recorded by three NDPP candidates: Temjennungsang (Ward 8, Changtongya Town Council), Kadielhi Mero (Ward 6, Pfutsero Town Council), and Lathaingam Ruangmei (Ward 9, Jalukie Town Council).

NDPP Dominance

NDPP emerged as the dominant party, winning 153 seats. The party secured all three municipal councils—Kohima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur—and gained a majority in most of the 21 town councils, except in Bhandari, Niuland, Phek, Pfutsero, and Chozouba.

In Mangkolemba, the NDPP tied with Independents, both securing 4 seats each, while Congress won 1 seat.

In Bhandari Town Council, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) won six of the nine wards, with the BJP, JDU, and an Independent candidate each securing one ward.

NPF also secured a majority in Phek Town Council, winning 7 out of 9 seats, while the NDPP won 3 seats and one Independent candidate won a seat.

In Pfutsero, Independent candidates secured 7 out of 11 seats, with NDPP winning 4 seats. In Chozouba, Independents won 5 seats out of 9, while NDPP secured 4 seats. The BJP achieved a majority in Niuland, winning 6 out of 9 seats, with the remaining three seats going to Independents.

At a Glance: Nagaland ULBs Elections 2024

• Total votes cast: 184,126
• Turnout percentage: 81.66%
• Municipalities and TCs: 24
• Wards: 214
• Total elected candidates: 278 (176 males, 102 females)
• Women candidates for unreserved seats: 8
• Candidates elected unopposed: 64
• Youngest winning candidate: Nzanrhoni I. Mozhui, 22 years (BJP), Ward 1, Bhandari TC
• Oldest winning candidate: Sibeule, 71 years (NDPP), Ward 6, Peren TC
• Largest vote margin: Yimkumba (NDPP), Ward 12, Dimapur Municipal Council, 3,344 votes
• Narrowest winning margin: 1 vote each – Temjennungsang (Ward 8, Changtongya TC), Kadielhi Mero (Ward 6, Pfutsero TC), Lathaingam Ruangmei (Ward 9, Jalukie TC), all NDPP candidates
• Party with highest seats: NDPP (153)
• Elected Independents: 56
• Councils where Independents are majority: Pfutsero (7 out of 9), Chozouba (5 out of 9)

State Summary