Assembly elections: 86% turn out to vote in Nagaland

ECI trend shows 78% in Meghalaya exercise their franchise

NEW DELHI | Updated: 28 February, 2023 2:43 am IST

Voters in Mokokchung District line up to exercise their franchise at various polling stations (Photo Courtesy @ceonagaland)

The election of the three northeastern states concludes with the completion of elections for the legislative assemblies of Nagaland and Meghalaya on Monday, February 27. Tripura, the third state, went to vote on February 16.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), around 85.81 per cent of voters cast their votes in Nagaland. Meghalaya saw around 78.40 per cent of voters exercise their franchise.

Eastern West Khasi Hills saw an impressive 90 per cent of the voters turn out to cast their votes. West Jaintia Hills was a close second with 89.23 per cent. Out of 12 districts, Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills showed the lowest participation with 70.12 per cent.

In Nagaland, all 16 districts scored fairly well in voter participation. Mon district saw 93.88 per cent of voter turnout, while Kohima and Chumoukedima crossed 77 cent.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), there are no grounds for reelection in any of the constituencies.

“Advanced planning and extensive monitoring by the Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, ensured smooth conduct of elections in the two states with no repoll reported in any of the 5710 polling stations,” the commission said.

There are 74 non-motorable polling stations, including two riverine polling stations, in Meghalaya.

A total of 1381 polling stations in Nagaland were monitored online through webcasting, as compared to 488 polling stations during the 2018 Assembly elections.

Similarly, in Meghalaya, a total of 1565 polling stations were covered by webcasting to ensure proper monitoring.

As per the 2018 assembly polls, the National People’s Party (NPP) bagged 19 seats, whereas Congress bagged 21 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won two seats in Meghalaya. The United Democratic Party (UDP) grabbed six seats.

With none of the parties winning a majority in the 60-member house, the NPP managed to form the government after forging an alliance with the UDP, BJP and other regional parties.

Meanwhile, the BJP has already won the Akuluto seat in Nagaland after its candidate Kazheto Kinimi was declared the winner uncontested. Kinimi’s rival, N Khekashe Sumi of Congress, withdrew his name on the last day of withdrawal of nominations on February 10.

The fate of the candidate should be known on March 2, when results will be declared.