Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 4
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was among the many candidates who filed nominations today for the February 23 Assembly Elections in Nagaland. In Kohima, Rio and others submitted their papers before the District Electoral Officer here. With just two days remaining for the last date of filing of nominations to the upcoming elections in Nagaland, all 60 candidates of ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) submitted relevant papers today.
Rio, who was the first to file nomination papers this morning here, will contest as a Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) candidate from 11th Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency. Rio will face Congress candidate Kevise Sogotsu.
Among others who filed their nominations today from Kohima district included Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie from 8th Western Angami A/C as NPF candidate, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire (NPF) from 9th Kohima Town A/C, Khriehu Liezietsu (NPF) from 10- Northern Angami-I A/C, R.Khing (NPF) from 12-Tseminyu A/C, Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu (NPF) from 14- Southern-I A/C, Er. Kropol Vitsu (NPF) from 15-Southern Angami-II A/C and Sajukha Rengma (NCP) from 12-Tseminyu A/C.
The NPF candidates who filed nominations from Dimapur districts today included Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi under 4- Ghaspani -1 A/C, Tovihoto Ayemi (1 Dimapur-I A/C), I. Lipok Pongen (2 Dimapur–II A/C), Azheto Zhimomi (3 – Dimapur III A/C) and Zhaleo Rio under 5- Ghaspani –II A/C.
It is learnt that Er. Vekho Swuro, an Independent candidate from 19- Phek A/C was the first candidate from Phek district to file nominations today.
All five Congress candidates from Phek district namely Kewekhape Therie (16- Pfutsero A/C), Vetetso Lasuh (17- Chizami A/C), Vaprumu Demo (18- Chozuba A/C), Dr. Kuvezochi Hoshi (19- Phek A/C) and Khuosatho ( 20- Meluri) A/C filed their nominations.
Former Home Minister Thenucho Tunyi (UNDP) under 16- Pfutsero A/C, Zhovehu Lohe (NCP) under 17- Chizami A/C, Vivolie Kezo (Independent candidate) under 16th Pfutsero A/C and Vezokho Chotso (Independent candidate) under 18- Chozuba A/C also filed nominations today.
Altogether 69 nominations were filed today in different parts of the state till 7 pm with Mon, Phek and Mokokchung registering the highest number of 10 each. Besides Independent candidates, political parties which filed nominations included BJP, NCP, RJD, JDU and regional United Nagaland Democratic Party. The candidates submitted the papers to the respective Deputy Commissioner, who is also the District Electoral Officer, sources said. Mention may be made that Er Picto was the first to file the nomination on February 1 as an Independent candidate under 32- Atoizu Assembly Constituency.
Congress sources said its candidates would be filing nominations tomorrow for 57 constituencies, as it is not fielding candidates in two seats, Kohima Town Assembly Constituency and Wakcing A/C, while the decision for fielding candidate in Ghaspani-I A/C was still awaited from the AICC.
The last date for filing nominations is February 6, while scrutiny of nominations is fixed for February 7. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 9. Counting of votes will take place on February 28 and the elections have to be completed before March 3
(With inputs from DIPR and PTI)
