DIMAPUR, JANUARY 15 (MExN): The State Election Commission (SEC) today issued a statement responding to the contention that it did not have provision for extension of dates of nomination because of not receiving nominations. A press note from the State Election Commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen clarified that under Rule 20 Section 7, the Commission can vary, modify and alter the election progamme. This, it stated includes extending the date of nominations, which is part of the election programme. The SEC further clarified that the extension of the date of nominations was due to the circumstances prevailing on the ground and irrespective of January 7, 2017 being a public holiday or not.
It had been contended that the extension given by the SEC was under Rule 20 (7) of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2003 which is applicable only subject to sub rule 6 which states that the last date for nomination, scrutiny and withdrawal shall not be public holidays. It had also been alleged that the last date for nominations not being a public holiday, there is a clear violation of the election process by the concerned authority.
The SEC informed that the State Government had requested for extension of the date of nominations due to bandh called by various organisations to prevent filing of nominations. The SEC, taking inputs from the ROs and the District Administration found that this was so.
Rule 30 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, it informed vests the SEC with the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of elections to the Municipals and Town Councils and when such instances come to its notice, the Commission has to take such steps as may be necessary to afford the opportunity to the candidates to file the nominations. Hence, after having considered all relevant aspects of the matter, the SEC decided to extend the date of nominations to afford the candidates another opportunity to file their nominations, it added.
The SEC hoped that the issue is put to rest and appealed to all the political parties, candidates and the public to cooperate with the SEC in conducting free and fair elections.
