Nagaland Awaits Decision: Counting of Votes for Lone Lok Sabha Seat

Nagaland is set for the vote counting of its lone Lok Sabha seat, with preparations finalized and counting to begin at 8 am across 17 centers. Despite zero turnout in six districts due to a boycott for statehood demands, 57.72% of voters participated.

All preparations have been finalized in Nagaland for the counting of votes in the lone Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday, according to Chief Electoral Officer Vyasan R.

Counting of votes will commence at 8 am across 17 different centers within the state. The elections were conducted on April 19 during the first phase.

Three-tier security arrangements have been established at these counting sites. Despite zero voter turnout in six eastern districts due to a boycott sparked by statehood demands, counting centers have been set up in those areas as well.

Three candidates competed for the lone seat: Congress nominee and state party president S Supongmeren Jamir, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate Chumben Murry endorsed by the People's Democratic Alliance government, and Independent contender Hayithung Tungoe Lotha.

In total, 57.72% of the 13.25 lakh eligible voters in the state cast their ballots during the first phase on April 19.

The polling day witnessed a boycott prompted by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation's (ENPO) call to abstain from voting in six districts in protest over their demand for a separate state, 'Frontier Nagaland Territory'. In these regions, which house over four lakh votes across 738 polling stations, residents heeded the ENPO's call and stayed indoors.