Mokokchung, February 28 (MExN): There will be no woman MLA in the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. There was some hope that perhaps Nagaland will witness its first woman representative in the 12th NLA when two women fielded their candidature for the February 23, state assembly polls.
Dr Yangerla who contested from 27th Mokokchung town A/C could muster only 579 votes out of some five thousand seven hundred votes in the constituency. The other woman contestant, Rakhila Lakhiumong of 54 Tuensang II A/C fared exceptionally better. She garnered a whooping 4193 votes thereby standing as the third amongst the four candidates to garner the highest votes. It may be pointed out that Naga society is a patriarchal society and women have not been represented in decision making bodies.
Though Yangerla and Rakhila could not win a seat in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, they have, through their participation, symbolically challenged the existing patriarchal system. Lawrence Imchen, an independent political observer remains optimistic that Nagaland will soon get a woman legislator. He states, “Yes, one day, we will see a female legislator in the assembly. Just see, there will be a women legislator in the next assembly election.”
“This is a clear indication of why Naga women need reservation,” said Rosemary Dzuvichu, Nagaland University professor and adviser to Naga Mothers Association when The Morung Express contacted her. She opined that the results have shown that election is a ‘game of money’, yet she expressed hope that the time will come when Nagaland will see its first woman MLA. Rosemary further commented, “The positive factor is that we have seen young, educated candidates and ‘real educated’ candidates in this election and that is something to look forward to.”
