Western Sümi Hoho seeks dedicated AEO for Niuland

Dimapur, September 18 (MExN): The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has submitted a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland, seeking the immediate posting of a dedicated Assistant Election Officer (AEO) for Niuland district to address administrative bottlenecks and provide basic electoral services to local residents.

In its representation, the WSH said the absence of an Election Officer in the newly created district had created logistical hurdles and a gap in administrative access.

Niuland, created as Nagaland's 14th district in December 2021, continues to function without a dedicated AEO office, WSH said.

As a result, residents of 105 villages -- 85 under 4-Ghaspani-I constituency and 20 under 5-Ghaspani-II constituency -- have to travel outside the district for routine electoral services such as voter registration, correction of details and EPIC card updates, it said.

The WSH said establishing a new district would serve little purpose if citizens continued to cross district boundaries to access essential civic services.

It emphasised that streamlining electoral administration through a dedicated officer was necessary to make local governance more accessible, equitable and decentralised.

The WSH expressed confidence that prompt intervention by the state government and the Chief Electoral Officer would streamline the electoral process and ensure citizen-centric services across the district.

It said appointing an AEO would strengthen grassroots participation, improve electoral accessibility and uphold democratic rights.

The WSH called on the state election establishment to intervene without further delay and appoint an AEO for Niuland district, according to a statement issued by its Media Cell.