Kohima: Despite a boycott call from various groups, the poll-bound Nagaland witnessed enthusiastic voter participation, with the hilly state recording a voter turnout of more than 75 percent until 3 p.m.
The percentage of voter turnout in the Nagaland Assembly elections till 3 PM has been recorded at 75.49 per cent, as per the Election Commission’s (ECI) report.
The state witnessed nearly 75 per cent voter turnout in the 2018 Assembly polls and 90.57 per cent in 2013.
The polling station opened at 7 p.m. on Monday and closed at 4 p.m. It will take some time for authorities to compile final voting percentage figures from across the state.
Overall, the voting went off peacefully, barring a few stray incidents of violence.
Stone pelting and blank firing have been reported between supporters of two parties in the Wokha district’s Bhandari constituency.
According to police, the situation was brought under control very soon, and the voting process started after a brief halt in the constituency.
305 companies from various security forces were deployed at the polling stations across the state to ensure a smooth and fair voting process.
M Neiphiu Rio, who is seeking re-election for the seventh consecutive term from the seat, exuded confidence that the “NDPP-BJP alliance will return to power with a massive win.”
The CM also appealed to voters, particularly those who are eligible to exercise their franchise for the first time, to participate in the festival of democracy.
“In Nagaland, people want the solution to the Naga issue, permanent peace and development,” he said.
The state’s Chief Electoral Officer, V. Shashank Shekhar, said that around 13.16 lakh voters, including 6,55,144 women, will decide the electoral chances of 183 candidates, including four female nominees.
In the 2018 Assembly polls, 190 candidates, including five women, contested the elections.
