With Eastern Nagaland once again not participating in the ULB elections, only 10 districts of Nagaland will go to the polls on June 26. A total of 276,229 voters will decide the fate of 523 candidates contesting in 269 wards from 24 municipalities and town councils spread across 521 polling stations.
Nagaland Police has announced that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for the upcoming ULB elections in the state. A total of 8,100 police personnel will be deployed for the election. This amounts to one police personnel for every 34 voters, though the ratio will be higher since there will be no polls in at least 64 wards where candidates have been elected unopposed.
The number of security personnel is adequate to ensure a peaceful election. Therefore, if any violence or booth capturing occurs, Nagaland Police will be held accountable.
In Mokokchung town, there are 25,637 voters in 18 wards. Among these, there will be no polls in 5 wards as candidates have been elected unopposed. This means only 18,997 voters out of 25,637 will be casting their votes on polling day at 27 polling stations. Deploying 50 security personnel to each polling station should be sufficient to control any situation if needed.
Authorities must ensure that at least 50 security personnel are deployed at each polling station in the 13 wards in Mokokchung where polling will be held. This is the first ULB election, and authorities must set a precedent. No booth capturing, impersonation or violence should be allowed. Preemptive measures must be taken to ensure that there is no potential for violence on polling day.
Given past assembly general elections in Mokokchung, there is always going to be inimical elements and vicious people with divisive minds scheming to exploit any loopholes and disrupt the voting process. Authorities must take all necessary measures to ensure the polling is conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
It is the bounden duty of security personnel to play a crucial role in ensuring peaceful elections by maintaining order, preventing violence, and safeguarding polling stations. Their presence deters potential disruptions, ensuring voters can cast their ballots safely and without intimidation. They are mandated to enforce electoral laws and respond promptly to any incidents, thereby upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
The average number of voters at each polling station on June 26 will be around 700. Unless unscrupulous elements intentionally provoke violence, security personnel should be able to ensure a 100% fair and peaceful election.
In the final analysis, deploying adequate security personnel to each polling station is the most effective method to ensure a peaceful election in Mokokchung. Or is it?