More than 82.21% of eligible voters in Nagaland’s Koridang Assembly constituency participated in the recent by-election, with 22,390 voters exercising their franchise. This turnout, although significant, was lower than the 88.06% recorded during the 2023 Assembly elections.
Nagaland’s Chief Electoral Officer, Bhagyashree Banayat, reported that polling for the by-election proceeded smoothly, achieving an overall voter turnout of 82.21% across all 30 polling stations.
Following the polling, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were securely stored in designated strong rooms under strict protocols. The storage process was conducted in the presence of contesting candidates or their representatives, along with Central Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India.
Reserve EVMs and VVPATs were also stored separately in reserve strong rooms, adhering to the security guidelines set by the Election Commission. A two-tier armed security system, including armed security personnel, has been implemented to safeguard the strong rooms.
Candidates and their representatives have been allowed to monitor the security arrangements of the strong rooms, with live CCTV footage made available for their viewing. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The National People’s Party (NPP), led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, requesting a re-poll at the Alichen polling station due to alleged irregularities and voter turnout suppression.
