Kohima: Nagaland concluded bye-elections for three town council wards on June 16, with voter participation ranging from 69.5 percent to over 96 percent. While voting proceeded smoothly in Chümoukedima and Atoizu, the Wokha Town Council election was disrupted by reports of violence.
In Wokha’s Ward 8, BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe alleged that he and two party observers were assaulted by NPF supporters early in the morning. The incident, which included reports of stone-pelting, prompted the district administration to enforce Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of weapons.
Despite the unrest in Wokha, State Election Commissioner T John Longkumer maintained a positive outlook on the process. He stated, "Polling was conducted peacefully and successfully in all stations."
Turnout figures were notably high across the state. Atoizu Town Council Ward 9 saw the highest engagement at 96.41 percent. Chümoukedima Ward 11 recorded an 83.6 percent turnout, while Wokha Ward 8 saw 69.5 percent participation. The Chümoukedima election remained peaceful, with local officials praising the orderly conduct of voters despite long queues caused by rigorous identification checks.
Political competition varied by region. Chümoukedima featured a contest between the BJP and the NPF, while Wokha pitted the BJP against the NPF. In Atoizu, the NPF faced an Independent candidate. During his visit to the Chümoukedima polling site, NDPP MLA Zhaleo Rio addressed concerns regarding internal alliances, describing the competition between coalition partners as a healthy democratic exercise. Vote counting and final results are set for June 19.
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