The upcoming Municipal and Town Council elections in Nagaland, scheduled for 26th June, hold significant importance on various fronts. However, it’s essential to recall the turbulent history surrounding the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections.
Repeated attempts by the Nagaland government to conduct ULB elections faced staunch opposition from tribal bodies and civil society organizations, primarily due to the contentious issues of 33% reservation for women and taxation on land and properties. Violent protests erupted in 2017 when the then NPF government, under former Chief Minister TR Zeliang, tried to hold the elections, resulting in casualties, injuries, and widespread property damage.
Following Supreme Court directives, the current opposition-less government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced plans to conduct ULB elections with 33% reservation for women in March last year. However, due to renewed protests, the elections were canceled, and the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 was repealed.
After extensive consultations, the state Assembly passed the new Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 in November last year, incorporating the 33% reservation for women while excluding provisions related to taxes, land, and buildings. The Supreme Court subsequently directed the state government to complete the ULB elections process by April 30, 2024.
The past few years, particularly since 2017, have witnessed violence, arson, loss of lives, and political upheaval, all stemming from the ULB elections issue. Intending candidates were excommunicated, and it can even be argued that the then TR Zeliang government fell because of this issue.
Yet, after everything that has happened, Nagaland prepares for these crucial but much delayed polls. One would like to hope for a peaceful and fair electoral process, distinct from the irregularities and malpractices often observed in state general elections. This presents an opportunity to promote Clean Elections, especially at the grassroots level. Failure to ensure free and fair ULB elections could undermine trust in the democratic process, casting doubts on all subsequent elections.
To reiterate, if we can’t ensure clean elections for the ULBs, there is no point in even hoping for clean elections to the state assembly.