In Nagaland, the conduct of elections has long been a subject of scrutiny and concern. Allegations of malpractice and disenfranchisement have persisted, prompting our team to conduct an investigation into the recent Lok Sabha polls held on 19 April 2024 in Mokokchung district. What follows are our prima facie findings from visits to polling stations and interviews with stakeholders.
First Polling Station:
At the first polling station, ward authorities expressed confidence in the fairness of their operations, emphasizing principles of ‘one person, one vote’ and a commitment to free and fair elections.
However, upon engaging with voters, a different narrative emerged. “It is peaceful but only a particular party is voting,” we were told.
Furthermore, one voter, who chose to remain anonymous, shared, “Some voters disguise themselves by changing clothes, wearing shawls, and putting on face masks to enter the polling booth multiple times.” They discreetly pointed out a lady from afar and said, “She has entered for the fifth or sixth time since we have been here.”
In the midst of these allegations, the voters expressed reluctance to disclose their names but assured us they would continue to inform us.
Continuing our investigation, we spoke to more voters in the same polling station. Some informed us that they had returned home earlier as the line had not been moving.
Later in the evening, tensions escalated at this particular polling station as voters who had been waiting in line for too long without the opportunity to vote erupted into protest.
Second Polling Station:
Moving to the second polling station, we found a similar peaceful atmosphere. However, we noted a lapse in procedure as the mandatory indelible ink, applied to voters’ left-hand index fingers to prevent duplicate voting, was not utilized. We also overheard voters mentioning the splitting of votes and discussions about ensuring more ‘proxy voting’.
Third Polling Station:
We attempted to visit the third polling station but were unable to locate it. Upon inquiry, a passerby shocked us by stating, “I have never seen the polling station nor received my electoral slip.”
Another resident from the same locality informed us that their electoral voter slips were never distributed, and the local authority purportedly voted on their behalf. This disenfranchisement, according to the resident, has persisted for about eight years.
Fourth Polling Station:
Upon arrival, tension gripped the fourth polling station we visited, where the SDPO of Mokokchung, accompanied by police enforcement, had arrived to maintain order. An attempt by ‘outsiders’ to enter the polling booth was thwarted by ward authorities, prompting reinforcement of security forces. The SDPO later assured us that the situation was under control.
Subsequently, we received reports of a booth allegedly being ‘captured’ by a certain party since early morning.
“I did not go to cast my vote because my mother told me not to. Earlier, when she went to cast her vote, she was denied entry stating that all of our family’s votes had already been cast,” said the informant.
Another informant told us that in a particular village, during a general meeting, it was decided that the vote of the entire village would go to one party, and hence, the polling was ‘peaceful’ and ‘smooth’.
Another concerned citizen claimed that all polling stations, particularly in the villages, have inflated their electoral rolls undermining the very purpose of holding democratic elections.
Conclusion:
In closing, this report serves not only to shed light on the challenges faced during the recent Lok Sabha polls in Nagaland but also to ignite a conversation about the state of democracy in our society. While the findings of malpractices are concerning, what truly alarms us is the erosion of our fundamental rights, including the freedom to vote, express, and think independently.
As journalists, our duty lies in upholding truth and transparency despite constraints and threats, and it is our hope that this report will prompt meaningful discourse and reflections on the implications of the issues highlighted here and consider the kind of society we aspire to build for ourselves and future generations.
