Nagaland bypolls: Polling concludes in two Assembly seats, state records highest voter turnout

The bypolls for two Assembly seats in Nagaland which began at 6 am concluded at 4 pm on Tuesday. State registered high polling percentage as voters turned out in large numbers in both constituencies.

The polling percentage at 14 Southern Angmami-1 constituency was recorded at 84.41%, while the polling percentage was 89.80% at 60 Pungro Kiphire constituency.

Along with the commoners, the candidates too turned up to cast their votes. Opposition NPF candidate from Southern Angami, Kikovi Kerha after casting his vote at polling both in Jakhama expressed confidence of winning the polls.

NDPP candidate Medo Yhokha while talking to Northeast Live expressed his confidence of clinching victory. Independent candidate Seyivilie Peter Zashumo also cast his vote at Phesama.

Adequate security arrangements were made for the by-polls, around 600 polling personnel were involved in the election duty in both constituencies.

By and large the entire election process was successful, however, a few incidents were reported from both constituencies. Advisors of the ruling party were also seen visiting the polling stations along with their candidate which is clearly seen as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Amid the ongoing by-poll in Southern Angami, a scuffle broke out among the supporters of NPF and the NDPP at the Jakhama village polling station which is a vulnerable polling booth.

As per allegations, opposition NPF supporters stopped NDPP supporters who were on their way to cast their votes.

On the other hand, NPF supporters alleged that MLAs from other constituencies are not allowed to visit the constituency during polling. Reportedly NDPP Advisor Zhaleo Rio was present during the scuffle.

Meanwhile, talking to Northeast Live, sector magistrate Tiayanger Jamir said that the situation normalised following the intervention of Kohima SP and DC. Jamir added that the chaos prevailed after NDPP advisor Zhaleo Rio allegedly violated the model code of conduct.

As per ECI guidelines, no politicians are supposed to visit polling centres if the individual is not from that particular constituency.

Voting was also stopped at a polling station in Singrep village in the Pungro Kiphire assembly constituency. Situation turned chaotic after the Returning Officer at the polling station reportedly tore the badge of a BJP polling agent.