Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 18
After the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, the urban local bodies (ULBs) polls in Nagaland are set to witness complete non-participation in civic bodies under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), with all intending candidates from the region withdrawing their nominations.
The ENPO has called for a general poll abstention over the pending Frontier Nagaland Territory issue.
According to updates from the State Election Commission (SEC) on June 18, a total of 24 candidates withdrew their nominations on Tuesday.
Among them, 6 were from Pungro Town Council, the last remaining candidates from Eastern Nagaland out of the 61 persons, who initially filed nominations from the region.
Despite the ENPO's call for poll abstention, the SEC data from the last day of nominations on June 11 showed a surprising turnout of 61 candidates breaking ranks and filing nominations.
Across the state, the total number of intending candidates stood at 669.
The nominations were filed from four out of six districts in Eastern Nagaland – Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, and Shamator districts. However, there were none in Tuensang and Noklak.
However, rapid developments ensued in the ENPO areas upon reports of the nominations.
Consequently, by June 13, all the 13 intending candidates from Longleng had withdrawn their candidatures, and updated total stood at 656.
During the intervening period from June 14-18, all candidates withdrew.
Meanwhile, across the state, a total of 79 intending candidates have pulled out of the race from the initial 669 as of June 11.
Accordingly, 590 candidates remain in the fray. However, with many candidates being declared elected unopposed, the actual number on the day of the contest would be lower.
A clear picture will emerge on June 20, the last date of withdrawal of nominations as per the SEC’s election programme schedule.
