Voting for the by-election in Nagaland’s Koridang Assembly constituency started on Thursday with heightened security measures in place. A significant turnout was observed with voters, including women, queuing up at polling stations across the constituency. The polling, which began at 7 a.m., will continue uninterrupted until 4 p.m.
A total of 22,390 eligible voters, including 11,013 women, will cast their votes to determine the fate of six candidates. The results of the election will be announced on May 4. Following recent violence, a night curfew has been imposed in four villages within the constituency due to clashes that occurred before the polls, resulting in casualties.
In response to the unrest, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung has ordered the sealing of the inter-state border between Mokokchung district and Assam until April 9. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized movements, curb inducements, and deter any disruptive activities during the electoral process. The by-election was necessitated by the passing of sitting MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November 2024.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has nominated Daochier I. Imchen, the son of the late legislator, as their consensus candidate for the by-election. Other notable candidates include I. Abenjang of the National People’s Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao of the Congress party. Additionally, three Independent candidates are also contesting, intensifying the electoral competition.
The late Imkong L. Imchen, a seasoned politician, had a successful political career, being elected to the Nagaland Assembly five times under different party affiliations. The campaigning for the Koridang Assembly by-election, a reserved seat for Scheduled Tribes, concluded amidst tension due to previous violent incidents. Authorities have assured that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.
