Daochier I Imchen with his election certificate following his victory in the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 4
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Daochier I. Imchen has been elected to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, securing 7,317 votes in the bye-election.
Imchen, 35, won by a margin of 3,123 votes against his nearest rival, Independent candidate Major (Retd) Toshikaba, who polled 4,194 votes. With the victory, Imchen becomes the youngest member of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Another Independent candidate, Imtiwapang, secured 3,633 votes, while Abenjang of the National People’s Party polled 3,219 votes. Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen received 147 votes, and T. Chalukumba Ao of the Indian National Congress secured 144 votes. None of the Above (NOTA) accounted for 48 votes.
A total of 345 postal ballots were recorded, of which 43 were rejected. Imchen secured 153 votes from postal ballots.
According to official figures, 18,745 votes were counted out of a total electorate of 22,266 across 30 polling stations, with an overall voter turnout of 82.21 percent.
Imchen recorded a strong lead in his native village Mangmetong, securing 4,583 votes out of 4,642 votes cast. He also received notable support from areas including Khensa, Sattsu, and Longkhum. In Chungtia, votes were divided among three candidates from the village, affecting the vote share of his closest rival.
Following the declaration of results, Imchen received his election certificate from the Returning Officer and SDO (Civil), Nockpai Konyak, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Ajit Kumar Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo.
Imchen succeeds his father, Imkong L. Imchen, who represented the constituency since 2003 and won five consecutive terms until his demise in November last year.
Speaking to the media after his victory, Imchen said, “I would like to thank the people of Koridang. They have supported my father since 2003 until his death. Even after his death, the love and support they have given… I am standing here because of that.”
Describing the mandate, he said, “This is a massive victory… a victory that I don’t take lightly. The very margin itself, I take that margin as a bigger responsibility.”
He added, “And all those who have not voted for me, it will be my endeavour to win their support and their hearts.”
Calling for collective effort, Imchen stated, “As I embark on this journey, I call upon each and everyone of the Koridang constituency… to constantly guide me so that we can progress together.”
He also invited cooperation from his opponents, saying, “My fellow competitors… bring forth their visions and aspirations, their development agendas for Koridang so that we can progress together.”
On his role, he said, “I’m not only the MLA for those who have supported me, but for the entire Koridang constituency, and I will make sure I do justice on that front.”
Referring to his tenure, he said, “This is a short term… I don’t take that as an excuse. My father was representing this constituency. His work continues and I look forward to carrying that forward.”
He further added, “With the guidance of CM Neiphiu Rio and Dy CM Yanthungo Patton, I am confident that I will be able to serve the people of Koridang.”
Stating his approach, Imchen said, “I might be the youngest, but I look forward to learning… their guidance will be very important for me to progress in this endeavour.”
