Koridang bypoll vote count begins in Nagaland amid tight security
Synopsis
Nagaland's Koridang bypoll counting is underway under heavy CAPF security — a precaution shaped by pre-poll violence that left one dead. With the BJP fielding the late MLA's son as its consensus candidate and an 82.21% turnout already recorded, the results expected Monday afternoon will signal whether dynastic sympathy politics can hold in one of the Northeast's most closely watched by-elections.
Key Takeaways
Counting for the Koridang Assembly bypoll in Nagaland began at 8 am on 4 May 2025 at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office .
The 9 April bypoll recorded a voter turnout of 82.21% from a total electorate of 22,390 voters across 30 polling stations .
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L.
Imchen on 11 November 2024 in Guwahati .
BJP 's consensus candidate is Daochier I.
Imchen , son of the late MLA, backed by the ruling PDA alliance.
Pre-poll violence on 5–6 April resulted in one fatality and several injuries, prompting heightened CAPF deployment at the counting centre.
Results are expected to be declared by Monday afternoon .
The counting of votes for the Koridang Assembly constituency bypoll in Nagaland commenced at 8 am on Monday, 4 May under multi-layer security arrangements at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office, election officials confirmed. The bypoll, held on 9 April, recorded a high voter turnout of 82.21% from a total electorate of 22,390 voters across 30 polling stations.
Counting Process and Security Arrangements
As per Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, postal ballots are being counted first, followed by votes stored in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). A total of three rounds of counting have been scheduled at the venue. The EVMs, stored in strong rooms under round-the-clock surveillance, were opened in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents prior to the commencement of counting.
A robust multi-tier security arrangement has been deployed, combining Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) with state security personnel. Multiple CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor every stage of the counting process, and strict access control measures are in place. The counting centre features a structured layout with designated tables for counting personnel, observers, and agents of contesting candidates.
Why the Bypoll Was Necessitated
The by-election became necessary following the demise of sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA 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 at the time of his passing.
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 consensus candidate of the multi-party alliance. Other prominent candidates 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 contesting, making the race competitive.
Violence Backdrop and Precautionary Measures
The heightened security at the counting centre is also a response to election-related violence reported on 5 and 6 April, which resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and damage to vehicles. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel in and around the counting centre to prevent any untoward incidents during the declaration of results.
Expected Outcome
Results for the Koridang bypoll are expected to be declared by Monday afternoon. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of the ruling PDA alliance's consolidation in the constituency and a reflection of whether the sympathy factor for the late MLA's son translates into votes.
Point of View
But the presence of three Independents and credible NPP and Congress challengers suggests the constituency is not a walkover. The pre-poll violence is a worrying signal for democratic health in the region, and the multi-layer security deployment — while reassuring — underlines how fragile poll-day normalcy remains in parts of Nagaland. The real question after the results: whether the ECI will take cognisance of the April violence for future electoral planning in the state.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Koridang Assembly bypoll held in Nagaland?
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. The Election Commission of India subsequently scheduled the by-election for 9 April 2025.
Who are the main candidates in the Koridang bypoll?
The BJP's candidate is Daochier I. Imchen, son of the late MLA, fielded as the consensus candidate of the ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA). Other key contenders include I. Abenjang of the National People's Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao of the Congress, along with three Independent candidates.
What was the voter turnout in the Koridang bypoll?
The Koridang bypoll recorded a voter turnout of 82.21% on 9 April 2025, with voters casting ballots across 30 polling stations from a total electorate of 22,390.
Why is security so heavy at the Koridang vote counting centre?
Security has been significantly enhanced following election-related violence on 5 and 6 April 2025, which resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and damage to vehicles. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state security personnel, CCTV surveillance, and strict access controls have all been deployed at the Mokokchung counting centre.
When will the Koridang bypoll results be declared?
The results for the Koridang Assembly constituency bypoll are expected to be declared by Monday afternoon, 4 May 2025, after three rounds of counting at the Mokokchung District Deputy Commissioner's office.
