Lok Sabha elections 2024: Almost no voting in six districts of Nagaland
New Delhi, April 19: Almost no voting has taken place in six districts of Nagaland on Friday due to a boycott called by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO). The ENPO is demanding a separate administration with greater financial autonomy and has declared a 'public emergency,' urging locals to abstain from participating in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
The Chief Election Officer of Nagaland has issued a notice to the ENPO, accusing the organisation of interfering with the electoral process and the free exercise of voting rights in Eastern Nagaland. The ENPO has been asked to explain why it should not face charges under the Indian Penal Code for attempting to influence the election unduly.
In response, the ENPO has defended its decision, stating that the boycott was a voluntary initiative by the people and not enforced by the organisation or any other authority. The ENPO also expressed willingness to cooperate with the Election Commission if there has been any misunderstanding.
The ENPO had earlier met 20 MLAs and other organisations on March 30, where they reaffirmed their decision to abstain from the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The group communicated their decision to the Election Commission, stating that it reflects the sentiments of the people of Eastern Nagaland and is not an act of defiance against democracy.
The 'public emergency' was declared on March 8, and the ENPO did not permit campaign activities during this period. Nagaland has one Lok Sabha seat held by Tokheho Yepthomi of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party since 2018. The party is an ally of the BJP.
- With inputs from agencies
