In a press communique on Tuesday, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) stated that the State’s record voter turnout of 84.69% demonstrates the people’s belief in democracy and the democratic process of choosing their leaders.
Apart from a few stray incidents, the party said it was one of the most peaceful elections in Nagaland’s recent history. They expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all Nagaland electorates for coming forward and exercising their universal adult franchise to vote for their respective candidates.
However, contrary to the party’s assertion, Nagaland was marred by violence in the districts of Mokokchung, Wokha, Longleng, and Dimapur, where not only firearms and property vandalism were observed, but a 34-year-old Imkongjeba was killed.
The party’s claim, however, cannot be entirely written off as the level of violence reported was lower as compared to past elections.
The NDPP further congratulated the Election Commission of India, the entire State machinery headed by the Chief Secretary and the Director General at Police for the successful conduct of the general elections of 2023.
“The exemplary sacrifices of the administration, police force, the various election officials and the members of the Central Paramilitary and other State police forces in ensuring the smooth conduct of the entire election process are highly commendable! It was because of all their concerted efforts that the General elections of 2023 could be conducted in a free and fair manner,” the party has stated.
The NDPP also thanked each and every member of the State the contributions of the Churches, the tribal Hohos, Civil Society Organizations and NGOs in ensuring “Clean election.”
It is true that Nagaland, for the first time witnessed such a strong call for ‘Clean Election’ backed by the church and the administration.
However, a series of bogus voting was alleged in Tizit AC and Aonglenden AC while state media – both print and digital – highlighted how ‘proxy voting’ was practiced and celebrated as a festival in the February 27 poll.
Meanwhile, village consensus candidates became an issue for lots of polling stations. Apart from consensus candidates, politics on the lines of tribalism were also reported in Kiphire district where a certain candidate was reportedly forced to stop from contesting in the election.
Further, an Independent candidate Kahuto Chishi also filed an FIR against Kushiabill VC in Dimapur for dictating that only the head of the family should vote for all the family.
The 2023 Nagaland Election is being projected as ‘clean’ by many but is also questioned by others. Reports on incidence of vote-buying during elections, allegations of booth capturing and bribing polling officials, and alleged cash rewards for ‘proxy voting’ was a common refrain that was heard across several polling stations.
