Polling for Assembly Elections Kicks Off in Meghalaya and Nagaland

New Delhi: The voting for Assembly elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya will take place today. Polling will begin at 7 am and continue till 4 pm. Elaborate arrangements have been made amidst tight security for peaceful polling.

Over 13 Lakh voters are exercising their franchise in 2291 polling stations for 59 Assembly constituencies out of 60, to determine the fate of 183 candidates, including four women candidates.  One seat was already won uncontested by BJP.

Out of 2291 polling stations, 777 are critical and 720 polling stations are categorised as vulnerable.

The Election Commission has set up 387 all-women polling booths as well as 38 model, 7 all youth and 3 all-Divyang polling booths across the districts.

Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful polling. As part of the precautionary measures, prohibitory order has already been imposed across the districts and it will remain in force till today evening.

The international and inter-state boundaries have also been sealed to prevent trouble mongers from entering the state. However, the movement of essential commodities/emergency services into the state have been exempted.

Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar has appealed to all voters of the state to come out to participate in this great exercise of democracy. He urged everyone to take exercise their voting right in a festive way thereby reflecting the true spirit of democracy.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appealed to all eligible voters in Nagaland, especially those voting for the first time to turn out in record numbers and cast their vote today. Rio also extends his best wishes to all the candidates.

In Meghalaya, polling began, amidst elaborate and tight security arrangements in 59 constituencies of the 60-member Assembly. Polling for the Sohiong constituency in the East Khasi Hills district was adjourned due to the death of UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh.

Over 21 lakh 40 thousand electors including over 10 lakhs, 81 thousand women will exercise their franchise at 3419 polling stations in 59 Assembly constituencies in the state.

A total of 369 candidates including 36 women are in the fray while 14 political parties including 4 national parties fielded their candidates. Polling will continue until 4 PM today. 119 companies of armed forces have been deployed to ensure smooth voting.

Several prominent persons from different parties are contesting. Among others, NPP president and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is seeking re-election from the South Tura constituency in West Garo Hills district and

UDP chief and Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh is in the fray from Mairang constituency in Eastern West Khasi Hills district whereas Former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is contesting from Trinamool Congress from two seats Songsak in East Garo hills and Tikrikilla in West Garo hills districts.

BJP senior leader Sanbor Shullai is in the fray from South Shillong and AL Hek is contesting from Pynthorumkhrah constituencies in the state capital. Congress state president and MP Vincent H Pala is in the fray from Sutnga Saipung in the East Jaintia hills district.

The counting will be held on 2nd March.