Kohima, April 9 (NationPress) Approximately 60% of eligible voters have participated in the Koridang Assembly by-election in Nagaland's Mokokchung district by 1 P.M. on Thursday, according to officials.

Due to the recent pre-poll violence on April 5 and 6, which resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and damage to vehicles, security measures have been significantly enhanced across the Assembly constituency with a strong presence of state and central forces.

Voting began at 7 A.M. at all 30 polling stations and has so far proceeded without any reported disturbances, as noted by an election official.

The polling will continue uninterrupted until 4 P.M., and the vote counting is set for May 4.

A total of 22,390 eligible voters, including 11,013 women, will determine the future of six candidates. In light of the recent violence, the district administration has enforced a night curfew in four villages within the Assembly segment after the clashes that resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

Mokokchung's Deputy Commissioner, Ajit Kumar Verma, has also mandated a complete seal on the inter-state border between Mokokchung district and Assam from April 7 until 6 P.M. on April 9.

These precautions aim to prevent unauthorized movement, discourage the distribution of inducements, and mitigate intimidation or other disruptive activities during the electoral process.

The bye-election was called following the passing of the sitting MLA, Imkong L. Imchen, who died on November 11, 2024, in a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness at the age of 75.

The BJP, part of the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), has nominated Daochier I. Imchen, the late legislator's son, as their consensus candidate.

Other notable candidates include I. Abenjang of the National People’s Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao from the Congress.

Additionally, there are three Independent candidates in the race: Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu, and Major Toshikaba (Retd.), increasing the competitiveness of the election.

Congress candidate Chalukumba Ao has previously sought this seat on three occasions (2013, 2018, and 2023) without success, while Major Toshikaba (Retd) narrowly lost in the 2023 elections as a candidate for the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

The late Imchen had a notable political career, securing election to the Nagaland Assembly five times: first as an Independent in 2003, followed by three elections as an NPF member in 2008, 2013, and 2018, and winning on a BJP ticket in 2023.

The Koridang Assembly constituency is designated for Scheduled Tribes. According to police reports, the pre-election violence resulted in at least one fatality, numerous injuries, damage to multiple vehicles, and the detention of 16 individuals.

Authorities also recovered arms and ammunition from various areas, which led to the imposition of a night curfew in the affected villages.

Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat stated that all essential measures are in place to ensure that the bye-election is conducted in a fair, free, and peaceful manner.