Zero voting was recorded across six districts of Eastern Nagaland following the declaration of a ‘public emergency’ by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO). The organization, which is demanding a separate administration with more financial autonomy, called on locals to abstain from participating in the election.
The decision to abstain from participating in the electoral process stemmed from the Chen Moho Resolution, adopted on 23 February 2024 by ENPO with the decision not to participate in any central or state elections. ENPO also declared an indefinite shutdown from 6:00 pm on 18 April.
Despite the deployment of polling officials and security forces to their designated polling stations, no voters appeared to cast their ballots. The 20 elected representatives from the region also abstained from exercising their franchise, it was reported.
Meanwhile, the Chief Election Officer of Nagaland has issued a notice to the ENPO for disrupting the electoral process. In a statement, the top poll official said the ENPO had attempted “to use undue influence… by interfering with the free exercise of those residing in Eastern Nagaland areas to vote in the general election”. The ENPO was directed to show cause as to why action under Subsection of Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code should not be initiated, which pertains to interfering with electoral rights.
In response, the ENPO clarified that their “main goal” was to “reduce the possibility of disturbances in the Eastern Nagaland region” and that the public emergency was declared after consultations with stakeholders. They argued that their actions were a “voluntary initiative” and claimed that no offence related to undue influence had been committed.
The organization further stated, “Given that the shutdown was a voluntary initiative by the people, there was no question of coercion or enforcement by the ENPO or any other authority,” adding that they are willing to cooperate with the Election Commission “if there has been any misunderstanding or misinterpretation”.
On 30 March, the ENPO held a closed-door meeting with 20 MLAs and other organizations from the eastern districts during which they reiterated their decision to abstain from the Lok Sabha election. The Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, consisting of the 20 MLAs, had requested the ENPO to reconsider its decision.
The following day, the ENPO informed the Election Commission of India about their decision not to cast votes in the election. They stated that the decision reflects “the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, who have tirelessly advocated for our rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance”. They emphasized that the decision is not an act of defiance against democracy.
In return, the Election Commission, on 19 April, referenced the announcement of the General Election to the Lok Sabha, 2024, and expressed concerns about the ENPO’s actions potentially violating Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code. They cautioned the President of the ENPO to ensure no further interference with electoral rights.
The Election Commission further instructed the President of the ENPO, who has superintendence over the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room, to take adequate care to ensure no actions by the organization could be interpreted as interfering with the free exercise of electoral rights.