NDPP sweeps ULBs polls in Nagaland

June 30, 2024 5 Views No Comment

NPF wins majority in Phek, Bhandari TCs; BJP in Niuland

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 30

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) swept the historic Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections in Nagaland 2024, securing 153 out of a total of 278 seats as the results for the polls held after 20 years was declared today.

Polling was held on June 26 in three municipal councils (Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung) and 23 town councils, and counting of votes was held in 16 approved centres across the State on June 26.

A total of 184126 electors, constituting 81.66 per cent, cast their votes for electing candidates in 214 wards across 24 Municipalities/town council that went to the polls.

Out of 278 seats contested, 176 were male candidates and 102 female candidates. Earlier, 64 candidates got elected unopposed.

With the election being held successfully with one-third women reservation, this election saw a substantial number of women entering the fray, said the State Election Commissioner (SEC) T John Longkumer.

“As a first, 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, emerged victorious, marking a significant milestone in the history of elections in the State,” he stated.

In six districts of Eastern Nagaland, no elections were held due to either lack of contestants or withdrawal of all intending candidates in response to a general abstention call by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation.

Youngest and oldest candidates
The youngest winning candidate and the oldest winning candidate were both females. Nzanrhoni I Mozhui, 22, of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Ward 1 under Bhandari Town Council was the youngest winner.

Sibeule, 71, of NDPP from Ward 6 under Peren Town Council was the oldest female 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 Pfutsero 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 wins 153 seats
As regards to party share, the NDPP bagged the biggest chunk, winning 153 seats. It was followed by 25 BJP, 44 representing other parties and 56 Independents.

NDPP won all three municipal councils—Kohima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur. In the 21 town councils, it secured a majority in most except in four—Bhandari, Niuland, Phek, Pfütsero, and Chozouba. In Mangkolemba, the NDPP was neck and neck with Independents, both securing 4 seats each, while Congress obtained 1 seat.

In Bhandari TC, NPF won six of the nine wards, while BJP, JDU, and an Independent candidate secured one ward each. The Naga People’s Front (NPF) also secured its second majority in Phek TC, winning 7 out of 9 seats, while NDPP won 3 seats. One Independent candidate also won a seat.

In Pfütsero, Independent candidates secured an absolute majority with 7 seats out of 11, while NDPP won 4 seats. In Chozouba, Independents won 5 seats out of 9, while NDPP secured 4 seats.

The BJP managed to secure a majority in Niuland, winning 6 out of 9 seats, while the remaining three seats went to Independents.

At a Glance: Nagaland ULBs Elections 2024
•    Number of votes cast: 184126
•    Turnout percentage: 81.66%
•    Municipalities and TCs going to polls: 24
•    Wards going to polls: 214
•    No of elected candidates – 278 (176 were males & 102 females)
•    No elected woman candidates for underserved seats: 8
•    No of candidates elected unopposed: 64
•    Youngest winning candidate: Nzanrhoni I Mozhui, 22 years (BJP), Ward 1 under Bhandari TC
•    Oldest winning candidate: Sibeule, 71, NDPP, Ward 6, Peren TC
•    Highest vote margin: Yimkumba of NDPP, Ward 12 Dimapur Municipal Council 3344 votes
•    Lowest winning margin: 1 vote each – Temjennungsang Ward 8, Changtongya TC; Kadielhi Mero, Ward 6 Pfutsero TC; and Lathaingam Ruangmei, Ward 9 Jalukie TC. All NDPP candidates
•    Party with highest seats- NDPP-153
•    Number of elected Independents: 56
•    Councils where Independents are majority: Pfütsero (7 out of 9) and Chozouba (5 out of 9)

STATE SUMMARY
NDPP    153
INC    7
BJP    25
NPP    5
NPF    13
NCP    12
RPP    0
JDU    5
RPI(A)    0
LJP    2
IND    56
TOTAL    278