Nagaland ULB polls: 21 candidates withdraw nominations in Eastern Nagaland’s Mon district

Less than 2 weeks left for the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Nagaland, brisk developments are taking place in Eastern Nagaland, where the ENPO has called for a boycott of the elections.

All the 21 candidates who had filed their nominations under the Aboi, Naginimora and Tizit Town Councils have withdrawn their candidatures. This is indeed a significant development as the Konyak Union had summoned the candidates to appear before it and justify their decision to contest the polls.

As such 8 from the Naginimora Town Council, 4 from the Aboi Town Council and 9 from the Tizit Town Council have withdrawn their candidature.

The candidates who have withdrawn their candidatures under the Naginimora Town Council include- Yingagng Konyak, L Methlow Konyak (filed candidature in 2 seats), Y Shongyo Konyak, M Chingtick Konyak, Angukali, M Anglem Konyak and M Wangkai Konyak.

On the other hand, 4 others too have withdrawn their candidature who were intending to contest the polls under the Aboi Town Council. Pongkam Konyak, C Nyemshan Konyak, Longwe Konyak and Ngampa Konyak have withdrawn their candidatures.

Those who have chosen not to contest the elections under the Tizit Town Council include- Z Ahon Konyak, Yannei, A Banyuh, James Konyak, P Abo Konyak, Monghai Konyak, K Botai Konyak, Tingzing Konyak and Neingam Konyak.

Following the reports of nominations being filed on the last day (Tuesday) the Konyak Union had summoned the 21 candidates to appear before it on Wednesday for allegedly violating the February 23, 2024 Chenmoho resolution which states that the Eastern Nagaland will not participate in any central or state elections.

As the candidates failed to present themselves, the KU had resolved to give a grace time of 24 hours (till 3pm of 13 June) to these candidates to present themselves and withdraw their candidatures.

Scrutiny of the nominations began Thursday and the last date of withdrawal for the candidates is slated for 18 June.

This is the first time that the municipal elections will have 33% reservation for women.

Of the 418 wards in the Municipality and Town Councils, 142 will be reserved for women. Polls will be held for three municipal councils and 36 town councils on June 26.

The civic body polls, which was conducted last in 2004 without reservations, remained stalled due to opposition by organisations representing Naga tribes against the 33 per cent reservations for women.