Kohima, April 9 (NationPress) Approximately 81% of the 22,390 eligible voters participated in the bye-election for the Koridang Assembly constituency, located in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district, on Thursday, according to officials.

Election authorities confirmed that there were no incidents of violence reported in the Koridang Assembly area during polling hours, which commenced at 7 A.M. across 30 polling stations.

Voting proceeded smoothly in most areas of this hilly constituency until 4 P.M. without interruptions. In some polling booths, however, the voting process extended beyond the official closing time.

An official indicated that the overall turnout might experience a slight uptick once all reports from the polling stations are finalized.

Security measures were substantially enhanced throughout the constituency, with numerous state and central security personnel deployed in response to pre-election violence that occurred on April 5 and 6.

This earlier unrest resulted in a fatality, injuries to multiple individuals, and damage to several vehicles.

A total of 22,390 voters, including 11,013 women, were eligible to determine the electoral outcome for six candidates. Due to the recent disturbances, the local administration imposed a night curfew in four villages within the Assembly segment following the clashes that resulted in one death and various injuries earlier this week.

The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, mandated the sealing of the inter-state border between Mokokchung district and Assam from April 7 until 6 P.M. on April 9. These actions aimed to prevent unauthorized movement, inhibit the distribution of bribes, and control intimidation or other disruptive activities during the election.

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

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

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

Additionally, three Independent candidates—Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu, and Major Toshikaba (Retd)—are also contesting, adding to the competitiveness of the race.

Congress candidate Chalukumba Ao has previously run for this seat three times (in 2013, 2018, and 2023) but has yet to secure a win.

Meanwhile, Major Toshikaba (Retd) narrowly lost the 2023 election as a candidate for the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

The late Imchen had a distinguished political career, being elected to the Nagaland Assembly five times, initially as an Independent in 2003, then on NPF tickets in 2008, 2013, and 2018, before winning on a BJP ticket in 2023. The Koridang Assembly constituency is designated for Scheduled Tribes.

According to a police official, at least one person lost their life, several others sustained injuries, multiple vehicles were damaged, and 16 individuals were arrested in connection with the recent election-related violence.

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

Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat stated that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the bye-election is conducted in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner.