The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, on Sunday congratulated all the newly elected members of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and urged them to serve the citizens with integrity and vision for progress. In a congratulatory message, the Governor said that their election is “a testament to the trust” placed on them by the citizens of Nagaland. Ganesan specially congratulated the women members, recognizing their significant achievement and the role they would play in shaping the future of the State’s urban areas.
“I am confident that your efforts will contribute to the development and prosperity of Nagaland, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth for all communities,” the Governor added.
The Governor urged all the newly elected members of the ULBs to serve with integrity, dedication, and a vision for progress.
“I look forward to witnessing the positive changes you will bring to your respective localities,” he added.
Further, Ganesan also lauded the Nagaland State Election Commission, the law enforcement agencies, and all poll-related officials for the successful conduct of a peaceful Urban Local Bodies election. “The smooth and efficient administration of the electoral process reflects the dedication, diligence, and commitment to upholding democratic values in our state,” he added.
The historic ULB elections were held in Nagaland on June 26th after two decades, and for the first time with 33% reservation for women.
According to the State Election Commissioner, T John Longkumer, a total of 184126 electors, constituting 81.66% cast their votes for electing candidates in 214 wards across 24 municipalities and town councils that went to the polls.
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) swept the elections securing 153 out of a total of 278 seats when the results were declared on June 29.
Out of 278 seats contested, 176 were male candidates and 102 were female candidates. Earlier, at least 64 candidates were elected unopposed.
As a fist, out of a total of 198 women candidates that participated in the election, a record number of 102 women candidates, including in 8 unreserved Wards, successfully contested the elections. The youngest and oldest winning candidates were both females.
Nzanrhoni I Mozhui, 22, of BJP from Ward 1 under Bhandari Town Council was the youngest winner while Sibeule, 71, of NPP from Ward 6 under Peren Town Council was the oldest winner.
In terms of vote margin, Yimkumba of NDPP won from Ward 12 under Dimapur Municipal Council with the biggest margin of 3344 votes over the nearest rival candidate. While the candidates with the narrowest winning margin went to three NDPP Candidates: Temjennungsang from Ward 8 under Changtongya Town Council, Kadielhi Mero from Ward 6 of Plutsero Town Council, and Lathaingam Ruangmei from Ward 9 under Jalukie Town Council respectively. All the three contesting candidates won their respective seats by a critical margin of a mere 1 vote.
NDPP won all three municipal councils—Kohima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur. In the 21 town councils that went to polls, it secured a majority in most except in Bhandari, Niuland, Phek, Pfütsero, and Chozouba.
In Bhandari and Phek town councils, NPF secured majority while Niuland town council went to BJP. Independent candidates secured majority in Pfütsero, and Chozouba.
As regards party share, the NDPP bagged the biggest chunk, winning 153 seats, followed by Independents – 56; BJP – 25; NPF – 13; NCP – 12; INC – 7; NPP – 5; JDU – 5; LJP – 2.
No elections were held in the town councils under the six districts of Eastern Nagaland.
NCP makes strides in Nagaland
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief National Spokesperson stated that a notable feature of these elections was the implementation of 33% reservation for women, underscoring Nagaland’s commitment to gender inclusivity in local governance. This initiative aimed to empower women leaders and ensure their representation in decision-making processes, he said.
The NCP fielded 22 candidates across 3 districts, marking their debut in Nagaland’s urban body elections. Of these candidates, 12 emerged victorious, with 5 candidates elected unopposed, highlighting the party’s growing influence and acceptance in the region.
Brijmohan Shrivastav, commenting on NCP’s performance, stated, “The NCP’s victory on 7 seats in the Vidhan Sabha and now in the ULB elections is a clear indication that the party is emerging as a strong political force in Nagaland.” The National General Secretary and Chief Spokesperson extended hearty congratulations to the winning candidates.