Fresh elections to three municipal wards in Nagaland

Poll on June 16, counting on June 19

Dimapur, May 15 (MExN): The State Election Commission (SEC), Nagaland, has ordered fresh elections to three municipal wards across the state following casual vacancies, with polling scheduled for June 16 and the counting of votes set for June 19.

The decision, notified on Friday, applies to Ward 11 (Chaara) of Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang B) of Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council. The SEC stated that it has been considered necessary to hold fresh elections to these wards in accordance with Section 30 of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023. 

The casual vacancies were notified by the state government through Notification No.MA-20/2024/453 dated February 6, 2026 (for Chümoukedima), Notification No.MA-20/2024/454 dated February 6, 2026 (for Wokha), and Notification No.MA-20/2024/556 dated March 30, 2026 (for Atoizu). 

The government further conveyed administrative approval of the Election Programme for the conduct of elections to the said unreserved wards through letter No.MA-20/2024/29 dated April 15, 2026.

Full Election Programme
In exercise of the relevant provisions under Rule 20 read with Rule 81 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2023, the Commission has notified the full ‘Election Programme.’ The schedule begins with the publication of the election programme on May 15, followed by the period for filing nominations from May 25 to May 29 (Monday to Friday, up to 3 PM). The list of validly presented nomination papers shall be posted on May 30 (Saturday). 

Scrutiny of nomination papers, along with the posting of the list of validly nominated candidates, will take place on June 1 (Monday). Candidates may file applications for revision of the order of the scrutinizing authority from June 2 to June 3 (Tuesday to Wednesday, up to 3 PM), with such revision applications to be decided on June 4 (Thursday). 

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 5 (Friday, up to 3 PM), following which the list of contesting candidates and the list of polling stations shall be posted after 3 PM on the same day.

Polling will be held on June 16 (Tuesday) between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. The date for re-poll, if any, has been fixed for June 18 (Thursday). Counting of votes and the declaration of results will take place on June 19 (Friday) from 8 AM onward at the designated counting centre or hall.

The Commission further informed that the electoral roll in force under Rule 10, as published on April 12, 2024, and read with Rule 81 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2023, shall be the roll for this election.

MCC comes into force 
With the announcement of the ‘Election Programme’, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), as contained in the Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates and adopted by the SEC, has come into operation with immediate effect within the jurisdiction of the poll-bound wards of Chümoukedima Town Council, Wokha Town Council, and Atoizu Town Council. 

The MCC will remain in force till the completion of the election process and shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties within the town council jurisdiction, as well as the state government with respect to the observance of MCC guidelines in the jurisdiction concerned.

SEC appeals for peaceful bye-polls 
The Commission has already conducted training for Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and District Level Master Trainers. Election Observers shall be deployed to the town councils to assist in the conduct of free and fair elections. Additionally, other necessary institutional measures are being put in place to ensure a smooth election process.

The SEC requested all election officials, including security personnel engaged for the ensuing bye-elections, to discharge their roles with professional commitment to ensure that the bye-election is conducted in a free and fair manner. While acknowledging the important role of the electors, the Commissioner appealed to all concerned electors to exercise their franchise to make the election participatory and meaningful. 

He also appealed to political parties, candidates, various civil society organizations, and stakeholders to extend their cooperation towards a peaceful and smooth election process.