The Nagaland State Election Commission (NEC) has launched a special summary revision of the electoral rolls for municipal and town councils in preparation for urban local bodies (ULBs) polls, marking the first such election in 20 years.
In a press conference held at the NEC office, State Election Commissioner (SEC) T. John Longkumer announced the schedule for the electoral process.
According to Longkumer, the draft publication of the electoral rolls is scheduled for March 8, with a window for lodging claims and objections from March 11 to 20.
The disposal of claims and objections will occur from March 21 to 27, followed by the filing of appeals to the respective appellate authorities from March 28 to April 3.
The appellate authorities will then address the claims and objections from April 4 to 6. Subsequently, the preparation of amendments will take place from April 8 to 10, with the final publication of electoral rolls set for April 12.
Longkumer emphasised the importance of revising and updating the electoral rolls for all 39 municipal and town councils to facilitate general elections, noting that the last revision took place on November 24, 2022.'
Administrative approval for the special summary revision was granted by the state government on February 27.
Despite previous attempts by the government to conduct ULB elections, objections from tribal bodies and civil society organisations regarding issues such as the 33 per cent women reservation and taxation on land and properties had hindered the process.
Past attempts in 2017 led to violence and political instability, resulting in casualties and damage to government property.
The Neiphiu Rio-led government, in March of the previous year, announced plans for elections with 33 per cent women reservation as mandated by the Supreme Court.
However, facing renewed resistance, the government canceled the elections and repealed the relevant Act in March 2023.
Subsequently, the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 was passed by the assembly in November, incorporating the 33 per cent women reservation provision.
The ULB elections matter is currently under scrutiny by the apex court, with a directive issued on December 11, 2023, stipulating completion of the entire process by April 30.
Longkumer indicated that the final decision on the polling date will be made following the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in completing the process in compliance with the Supreme Court's directive.
The last ULB elections in Nagaland were conducted in 2004.
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