The protests were held in Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Peren, Longleng, Noklak and Tuensang as part of the Indian National Congress’s nationwide program seeking greater accountability in the functioning of the Election Commission of India.
The protesting DCCs alleged that certain decisions and actions under the tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner had raised concerns about the independence, transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
The Congress called for an independent review of decisions relating to electoral rolls and changes undertaken during the ongoing SIR exercise. It also demanded the resignation and removal of the CEC and called for legal action where any wrongdoing is established.
The DCCs said the right to vote was central to the democratic system and stressed that electoral processes should be conducted with transparency, impartiality and accountability.
The Congress further maintained that constitutional office-holders should remain subject to scrutiny and that any allegations of wrongdoing should be examined through established legal processes.
The protests in Nagaland formed part of the Congress’s wider mobilisation against the CEC. Similar demonstrations were held in other parts of the country on September 25, with Congress workers raising demands including the CEC’s resignation and removal.
The Nagaland DCCs said they would continue to advocate for the protection of voting rights and what they described as free, fair, transparent and accountable electoral processes.