Koridang Assembly bypoll counting begins Monday amid tight security in Nagaland
Synopsis
Nagaland's Koridang bypoll — triggered by the death of BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen — heads to counting Monday with an 82.21% turnout and a cloud of controversy: the NPP has demanded a repoll at Alichen, where turnout was a striking 39.9% against a 99% high at neighbouring stations. Results are expected by afternoon.
Key Takeaways
Counting for the Koridang Assembly bypoll begins at 8 am on Monday, 5 May 2025 , at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office .
CAPF and state security forces, CCTV cameras , and strict access controls are in place at the counting centre.
The bypoll recorded a turnout of 82.21% from 22,390 voters across 30 polling stations on 9 April 2025 .
BJP candidate Daochier I.
Imchen , son of the late MLA Imkong L.
Imchen , is the PDA alliance's consensus pick.
The NPP has sought a repoll at Alichen , citing a turnout of only 39.9% against over 70–99% at neighbouring stations.
Results are expected by Monday afternoon ; election-related violence on 5–6 April claimed one life .
Counting of votes for the Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election in Nagaland is set to begin at 8 am on Monday, 5 May 2025, at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office, with elaborate multi-layered security arrangements in place, officials confirmed on Sunday. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed alongside state security personnel, with CCTV surveillance and strict access control measures covering the counting centre.
Security Arrangements at the Counting Centre
The counting venue has been structured with designated tables for counting personnel, observers, and agents of contesting candidates to ensure transparency and order. Multiple CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor every stage of the process. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), stored in strong rooms under round-the-clock security, will be opened in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents before counting commences.
Officials noted that counting personnel have undergone two rounds of training, and all protocols aligned with Election Commission of India (ECI) directives have been activated. Results are expected to be declared by Monday afternoon.
Why the Bypoll Was Held
The by-election was necessitated following the death of sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Imkong L. Imchen, who passed away on 11 November 2024 at a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness. He was 75 years old. Polling was held on 9 April 2025, recording a voter turnout of 82.21% out of a total electorate of 22,390 voters across 30 polling stations.
Candidates in the Fray
A total of six candidates are contesting the bypoll. The BJP, a constituent of the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), has fielded Daochier I. Imchen, son of the late legislator, as the alliance's consensus candidate. Other prominent contenders include I. Abenjang of the National People's Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao of the Indian National Congress (Congress). Three Independent candidates — Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu, and Major Toshikaba (Retd) — are also in the contest, making the race competitive.
Violence Shadow and NPP's Repoll Demand
The heightened security deployment is partly a response to election-related violence reported on 5 and 6 April 2025, which resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and damage to vehicles. A robust multi-tier security arrangement has been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents during counting.
Meanwhile, the NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission seeking a re-poll at the Alichen polling station. The party alleged serious irregularities and deliberate suppression of voter turnout, pointing to a sharp decline in participation at Alichen, where only 1,323 votes were cast out of 3,310 registered voters — a turnout of approximately 39.9%. The NPP noted that neighbouring polling stations recorded turnout ranging from over 70% to as high as 99%, calling the contrast unusual. The Election Commission's response to the complaint is awaited.
With results expected Monday afternoon, the bypoll outcome will signal the political direction of Mokokchung district and test the PDA alliance's hold in a constituency that has remained a BJP stronghold.
Point of View
Where nearly 60% of voters reportedly could not exercise their franchise against near-total participation next door, deserves scrutiny beyond procedural dismissal. The violence on April 5 and 6 — one dead, vehicles destroyed — has already signalled that the stakes here go beyond a single seat. The BJP's decision to field the late MLA's son is a calculated sympathy play, but if the NPP's irregularity allegations gain traction post-result, the legitimacy of the outcome itself could be contested, complicating PDA's governance optics in the Northeast.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Koridang Assembly bypoll results be declared?
Counting begins at 8 am on Monday, 5 May 2025, at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office, and results are expected to be declared by Monday afternoon.
Why was the Koridang Assembly bypoll held?
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen, who passed away on 11 November 2024 at a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness at the age of 75.
Who are the main candidates in the Koridang bypoll?
The key candidates are Daochier I. Imchen (BJP/PDA alliance), I. Abenjang (NPP), and T. Chalukumba Ao (Congress), along with three Independent candidates — Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu, and Major Toshikaba (Retd).
What is the NPP's complaint about the Alichen polling station?
The NPP, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission seeking a repoll at Alichen, where only 1,323 of 3,310 registered voters cast ballots — a turnout of about 39.9% — compared to 70–99% at neighbouring stations.
What security measures are in place for the counting day?
CAPF and state security personnel have been deployed, multiple CCTV cameras installed, and strict access controls enforced at the counting centre. The heightened security follows election-related violence on 5 and 6 April 2025 that resulted in one death and several injuries.
