Kohima/Shillong: Voting for Assembly elections in Nagaland and Meghalaya began at 7 AM today amid tight security. Polling will end at 4 PM. 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 Divyangs 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, movement of essential commodities/emergency services into the state have been exempted.
Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar has appealed all voters of the state to come out to participate in this great exercise of democracy. He urged everyone to take exercise of voting right in a festive way thereby reflecting the true spirit of democracy.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appealed all eligible voters in Nagaland especially those voting for the first time to turnout in record numbers and cast their vote today. Rio also extend his best wishes to all the candidates.
In Meghalaya, all poll parties have reached their respective polling stations. A total of 369 candidates are in the fray for the election in 59 constituencies in the 60 seat State Assembly.
The election in Sohiong constituency has been suspended due to the demise of a UDP candidate. Over 21 lakh 40 thousand electors will exercise their franchise at 3,419 polling stations. 14 political parties including 4 national parties have fielded their candidates for this election.
The counting of votes will be on 2nd March.
