Kohima, April 9: Polling for the Koridang Assembly by-election in Nagaland commenced on April 9 under heightened security arrangements, following recent election-related violence that left one person dead.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen on November 11 last year. A total of six candidates are in the fray, including his son Daochier I. Imchen, who is contesting on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. The Indian National Congress (Congress) has fielded T. Chalukumba Ao, while the National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang. Independent candidates include Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Voting began at 7 a.m. across all 30 polling stations and will continue until 4 p.m., with 22,382 eligible voters, including 11,071 women, expected to cast their ballots.
Out of the total polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting the deployment of additional security personnel and enhanced surveillance measures. Two polling stations are being managed entirely by women staff.
Authorities said comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. Security has been significantly tightened following incidents of violence on April 5 and 6, which resulted in one fatality and damage to several vehicles.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
