Kohima, October 19 (MExN): The period for withdrawal of candidature for contesting in the bye-elections came to an end on Monday, leaving a total of eight candidates in the fray for two seats in the Nagaland legislative Assembly.
According to a press statement from Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha, the bye-election to 14-Southern Angami –I (ST) Assembly Constituency will be a 3-way contest.
On the last day of withdrawal on October 19, Kikovi Kirha (Naga People’s Front), Medo Yhokha (National Democratic Progressive Party) and Seyievilie Peter Zashumo (Independent) have confirmed their candidatures.
Yhokha is the People’s Democratic Alliance’s consensus candidate.
Meanwhile, it will be a 5-way contest in 60-Pungro Kiphire AC. Khaseo Anar (Indian National Congress), Lirimong Sangtam (Bharatiya Janata Party), S Kiusemew Yimchunger (Independent), K Shellumthong Yimchunger (Independent) and T Yangseo Sangtam (Independent) have confirmed their candidature, the CEO Nagaland informed.
While Lirimong is the ruling PDA’s consensus candidate, there were reports that INC’s Anar has the tacit support of the main-opposition NPF.
Polling will be conducted on November 3 from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sinha added.
The number of electors and polling stations in the 14-Southern Angami –I AC as on the last date of filing nominations are 13,641 and 22 respectively, while there are 29,601 and 77 in 60- Pungro Kiphire AC.
GO meets candidates, political agents in Kiphire
Meanwhile, updates from the DIPR informed that General Observer Dev Raj Dev held a joint meeting with all the intending candidates and political agents to 60- Pungro Kiphire AC at DC Conference hall, Kiphire on Monday.
The GO briefed the meeting about the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which has been enforced since the announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission of India and will remain operational till the election process is completed, it said.
Stating that the MCC acts as a guidance for all the political parties, the official reminded the parties to abide by the principles embodied in the said code, and to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.
Returning Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, Nyempo Wallim, who chaired the meeting, urged all the candidates and political agents to cooperate with one another and to be abide by the guidelines for the success of the upcoming bye-election, the DIPR reported.
