Nagaland Elections 2023: Voting begins for 59 assembly seats

According to the Election Commission of India, polling will begin at 7 am and end at 4 pm today.

In NagalandThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) are trying to retain power in the state. The two are contesting on a 20:40 seat-sharing arrangement, while the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Congress are contesting on 22 and 23 seats, respectively.

The BJP has already opened its account here ahead of the elections as party candidate Kazeto Kinimi won unopposed from the Akuluto seat after Congress candidate Khekashe Sumi withdrew her candidature.

Candidates included 20 candidates from BJP, CPI (1), Congress (23), NCP (12), NPP (12), NDPP (40), NPF (22), RPP (1), JD(U) (7) Are. LJP (Ram Vilas) (15), RPI (Athawale) (9), RJD (3), and Independent (19).

Significantly, out of 183 candidates in the fray this time, only four are women. Since its formation in 1963, the state of Nagaland has seen 14 assembly elections – but never a woman legislator.

A total of 13,17,632 voters, of whom 6,61,489 are male voters, and 6,56,143 are female voters, will exercise their franchise to decide the fate of political parties and elect their representatives of 60 members. Nagaland Legislative Assembly,

Among the key constituencies are North Angami, which will determine the election fate of NDPP candidate and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio; Tiu Jahan BJP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton; Peren Jahan two-time chief minister TR Zeliang will contest as the NDPP candidate.

Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna will contest from Along Alongtaki seat. In the current government, he is also serving as the Minister of Higher and Technical Education. Only Janata Dal (United) has fielded its candidate J Lanu Longchar from this seat.

Ghasapani is another seat which is attracting all the attention. BJP has fielded N Jacob Zhimomi and Congress candidate Akvi N Zhimomi.

Phek is another constituency that will be closely watched in the election. NPF leader Kuzholujo Neenu will contest from this seat. While the NDPP has fielded Kupota Khesoh, the Congress has fielded Jasilhu Ringa Wadeo and S Akho Leri is the NPF candidate.

In Dimapur-III, where NDPP candidate Hekani Jakhlu is in the fray, the fledgling Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has given ticket to Ezheto Zhimomi from this seat.

Other major constituencies Dimapur-I, Southern Angami I, Southern Angami I, Chojuba, Koridang, Koridang, Bhandari, Sanis, Zunheboto, Kohima, West Angami, Longleng and Siochung Sittimi.

The counting of votes will take place on March 2.

(With ANI inputs)