Dimapur, June 6 (MExN): The Nagaland State Election Commission (SEC) has issued guidelines for the identification of electors during the municipal bypolls scheduled to be held on June 16 in three wards across the state, making it mandatory for voters to produce a prescribed identity document before casting their votes.
The guidelines will apply to Ward 11 (Chaara) of Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang B) of Wokha Town Council and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council.
Issued under sub-rule (4) of Rule 54 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2023, the notification directs Presiding Officers to verify the identity of electors based on any one of eight approved documents.
The approved identity documents include an Indian Passport, Driving Licence, Aadhaar Card, Service Identity Card issued by the Central or State Government, Public Sector Undertakings or Public Limited Companies, Bank or Post Office Passbook with photograph, PAN Card, Pension Document with photograph and Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate issued by the Deputy Commissioner or Additional Deputy Commissioner.
The Commission clarified that where such documents are available only in the name of the head of the family, they may also be used for identifying other family members, provided their identity can be established on the basis of the document. Similarly, documents issued in the name of any other family member may be used for identification of remaining family members if their identity can be satisfactorily established.
The SEC further stated that minor discrepancies relating to an elector's name, parent's or spouse's name, sex, age or address in the electoral roll would not disqualify a voter from casting a ballot, provided the identity of the elector can be established to the satisfaction of the Presiding Officer or Polling Officer.
However, the Commission said that no elector would be permitted to exercise his or her franchise unless one of the prescribed identity documents is produced at the polling station.
