The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has submitted a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, seeking the immediate posting of a dedicated Assistant Election Officer (AEO) for Niuland district.
In the representation, the WSH stated that the absence of a functional AEO office in the district has created logistical difficulties for residents seeking basic electoral services. It said a dedicated officer would help streamline electoral administration and make services more accessible to citizens.
Niuland was created as Nagaland’s 14th district in December 2021. According to the WSH, the district continues to function without a dedicated AEO office, requiring residents to travel outside the district for routine electoral services such as voter registration, correction of voter details and EPIC card updates.
The WSH stated that residents of 105 villages, including 85 villages under 4-Ghaspani-I Assembly constituency and 20 villages under 5-Ghaspani-II Assembly constituency, are affected by the absence of local electoral services.
The apex Sümi body maintained that the creation of a new district should be accompanied by accessible civic services. “Establishing a new district is meaningless if citizens must still cross district boundaries for essential civic rights,” it stated.
The WSH expressed confidence that intervention by the State Government and the Chief Electoral Officer would help streamline electoral processes and strengthen grassroots participation and accessibility.
It urged the State election authorities to intervene without further delay and appoint an AEO for Niuland district.
