Nagaland is all set to embark on a historic civic body elections after a hiatus of two decades, scheduled for Wednesday, marking a significant political milestone in the northeastern state.
The elections, encompassing three municipal councils and 36 town councils, are poised to include a groundbreaking 33% reservation for women, a first in Nagaland's municipal election history.
Previous attempts to hold these elections were marred by objections from tribal bodies and civil society organisations, particularly against reservations for women and taxation on land and properties.
However, the state government's recent measures, including the abolition of these taxes and legislative mandates from the Parliament and Supreme Court, have paved the way for the electoral process to proceed.
A total of 523 candidates from 11 political parties, including prominent names such as NDPP, BJP, Congress, NPF, and others, will vie for victory in 214 wards.
The electorate comprises 2,23,636 eligible voters, with arrangements made for voting across 420 polling stations categorized as hyper-sensitive, sensitive, and normal.
Voting will commence at 7:30 am and continue until 4 pm, with ballot papers replacing electronic voting machines (EVMs) for this election cycle.
Stringent security measures have been put in place, with varying levels of personnel deployment at polling stations to ensure smooth conduct of the electoral process.
The state government has declared a general holiday on election day to facilitate maximum voter turnout and participation. Officials have assured that all logistical arrangements, including the deployment of polling personnel and security forces, are in place to maintain peace and order during the elections.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has opted out of participating in the civic polls, representing six eastern districts. ENPO, advocating for a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' due to perceived neglect, has influenced the withdrawal of candidates from 14 town councils within its jurisdiction.
Despite these regional complexities, Nagaland braces for a momentous electoral event that promises to shape the future landscape of its local governance.
The outcomes of these elections are anticipated to reflect not only political preferences but also the evolving social dynamics within the state.
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