Dr Neiphiu Rio, Achumbemo Kikon and others with candidates for town council bye-election on May 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 25
Naga People’s Front (NPF) today handed over party ticket to three candidates for the upcoming Town Council bye-election 2026, one each to the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), Wokha Town Council (WTC) and Atoizu Town Council (ATC).
Recently, the State Election Commission has notified that it has been considered necessary to hold fresh election to Ward 11 (Chaara) of CTC, Ward 8 (Tsumang B) of WTC and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) of ATC in accordance with Section 30 of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 following the casual vacancy that has occurred.
Polling will take place on June 16. Period for filing of nomination has been scheduled for May 25-29.
Nagaland’s Chief Minister and NPF president Dr. Neiphiu Rio handed over the ticket at the ticket distribution ceremony, held at NPF Conference Hall, Central HQ Kohima on May 25.
Dr. Rio congratulated all the candidates and wished them “very best” to win the bye-election to strengthen the NPF party.
The three candidates for the poll includes; Neitsüu Kuotsu (Chümoukedima ward no. 11), Shimavi Kiba (Atoizu Ward no. 9) and Ar. Along Lotha (Wokha ward no. 8).
Dr. Rio hoped that everybody will come out enthusiastically to work and enable them to win with thumping majority, “so that our party is respected by one and all.”
‘Work unitedly in one mind’
MLA and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon informed that three candidates have been awarded with the party ticket after gone through scrutiny and approval of the NPF president.
“This is the first election the NPF will be facing after the merger,” Kikon said and called upon the party men and women to work unitedly in one mind and ensure all the three candidates emerge victorious.
He also urged upon the party workers to abide by the party discipline, rules and guidelines.
Kikon also told the gathering that the merger of the NDPP with NPF has now been recognised and approved by the Election Commission of India on May 4.
“All formalities have been completed as far as the merger issue is concern,” Kikon said.
NPF Working President Pusazo Luruo administered pledge to the candidates while State chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Teriang led party ticket dedicatory prayer. The ceremony was chaired by NPF Senior Vice President Khongjah Konyak while NPF Working President Ahovi Zhimomi invoked God’s blessings. Vote of thanks was proposed by NPF Senior Vice President N Bendang Jamir. MLA Er Picto Shohe, NPF President Emeritus Chingwang Konyak, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency Chairman Nuzota Swuro and other NPF senior leaders attended the programme.
