Nagaland ULB Elections: Insights for Course Correction

Moa Jamir

The recent Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections in Nagaland, held on June 26 after a hiatus of 20 years, were historic and significant in many ways. On June 29, the results were declared, filling 278 seats, including 102 seats won by female candidates.  The election results saw the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) winning the largest number of seats, securing 153 seats. They were followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 25 seats, various other parties with 44 seats, and Independents with 56 seats.

While the State Election Commission (SEC) termed the ULB polls as peaceful both on polling day and during the declaration of results, barring minor incidents and the Nagaland Government possibly would vaunt the successful conduct of the election when the next hearing of related case comes up in the Supreme Court on July 16, several critical lessons emerged from this electoral exercise. They were marked by notable challenges and areas needing improvement to ensure future elections are smooth, fair, free, and accessible.

Firstly, there is an urgent need for the SEC to establish a dedicated website to make its policies, rules, and working mechanisms available to the public. Despite the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passing the Nagaland Municipal Bill in November 2023 and the appointment of the SEC Commissioner in January 2024, the lack of an accessible platform for disseminating information is a significant gap. This transparency is crucial for building public trust and ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed about the electoral process and regulations.

Secondly, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the elections, announced by the SEC on April 30, was not widely disseminated beyond media releases. The absence of a dedicated website meant that many citizens were unaware of the code and related election matters. This lack of awareness can lead to non-compliance and confusion, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. Therefore, the establishment of a comprehensive and accessible information dissemination system is essential.

Moreover, there is a need for a more robust MCC by expanding the current code to ensure that the party in power and state legislators adhere strictly to the guidelines, preventing any misuse of authority or resources. An atmosphere of impunity must be dismantled to foster a fair and level playing field for all candidates and parties.

The election process also revealed inadequacies in provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), infirm individuals, and senior citizens. Instructions for these voters were issued hastily on June 25, following an intervention by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD). However, the arrangements were insufficient, leading to numerous reports of ‘dehumanising’ experiences. Adequate measures, such as postal ballots or home voting options, should be implemented well in advance to ensure that all voters can participate in the electoral process with dignity and ease.

Further, a critical component that needs attention is the electoral roll. Best practices such as regular updates to reflect new voters, removals of deceased voters, and changes in voter details and ensuring accuracy must be implemented. Additionally, making the e-roll accessible online allows voters to verify their details and report any inaccuracies in advance, thereby minimising confusion and errors on polling day. 

Overall, the Chief Electoral Office Nagaland sets a commendable example in this regard, highlighting the importance of effective electoral management. Additionally, appointing a SEC Commissioner with previous electoral experience would further enhance and streamline the electoral process.

Again, one significant aspect of this election was the absence of elections in six districts following the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) called for a general abstention, resulting in either a lack of contestants or the withdrawal of all intending candidates in these districts. This affected 14 ULBs across Eastern Nagaland, highlighting the need for greater engagement and dialogue with local organisations to address their concerns and ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The ULB elections in Nagaland have set a precedent but also highlighted several areas for improvement. To ensure smooth, fair, free, and accessible elections in the future, the SEC must prioritise transparency, comprehensive information dissemination, and robust guidelines.

For any feedback, drop a line to jamir.moa@gmail.com
 



Support The Morung Express.
Your Contributions Matter
Click Here