Election Commission clarifies why date was extended

Dimapur, Jan. 15: The State Election Commission (SEC) has issued an official statement on Sunday noting news reports in the local media on January 15 that contended that the rules cited by the commission did not have provisions to extend dates of nomination “because of not receiving nominations.” State Election Commissioner Sentiyanger Imchen appended the statement. “It has been stated that the extension given by the SEC was under Rule 20 (7) of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2003 which is applicable only subject to sub rule 6 which states that the last date for nomination, scrutiny and withdrawal shall not be public holidays,” the commissioner stated. The commission noted the allegation that the last date for nominations not being a public holiday, there was a clear violation of the election process by the authority. “The SEC is, therefore, constrained to clarify that under Rule 20 Section 7, the Commission can vary, modify and alter the election programme. This includes extending the date of nominations, which is part of the election programme. It is further clarified that the extension of the date of nominations was due to the circumstances prevailing on the ground and irrespective of 7th January, 2017 being a public holiday or not.” The commission informed that the state government had requested extension of the date of nominations due to the bandhs called by various organisations to prevent filing of nominations. The commission stated: “The SEC, taking inputs from the ROs and the district administration found that this was so. Rule 30 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules vests the SEC with the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of elections to the Municipals and Town Councils and when such instances come to its notice, the Commission has to take such steps as may be necessary to afford the opportunity to the candidates to file the nominations.” Hence, it stated, after having considered all relevant aspects of the matter, the commission decided to extend the date of nominations to afford the candidates another opportunity to file their nominations. The EC has appealed to all the political parties, candidates and the public to cooperate with the commission in conducting free and fair elections.