The Koridang by-election in Mokokchung district has turned into a six-cornered contest after last-day nominations, setting up a keen political battle ahead of polling on April 9.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The Koridang by-election has turned into a six-cornered contest after a surge of nominations on the final day, setting the stage for a closely watched political battle in Mokokchung district.
Five candidates filed their papers on Monday, taking the total number of contenders to six for the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency.
The by-election was necessitated by the demise of veteran BJP leader and five-time MLA Imkong L Imchen in November 2025.
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The contest now features candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National People’s Party (NPP), and Indian National Congress (INC), alongside three Independent aspirants.
BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, son of the late leader, had filed his nomination earlier on March 20.
Among those who filed nominations on the final day are I Abenjang (NPP); T Chalukumba Ao (Congress), contesting for the fourth time; and Independents Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Major (Retd.) Toshikaba.
BJP nominee Daochier Imchen is from Mangmetong village, while Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao hails from Chungtia.
Chungtia also fields two Independent contenders—Imtiwapang and Major (Retd.) Toshikaba. Another Independent, Imchatoba Imchen, is from Satsu (carved out of Mangmetong), adding to the Mangmetong cluster’s influence. Meanwhile, NPP candidate I Abenjang represents is from Longkhum.
The candidates represent a mix of seasoned politicians and new entrants. Chalukumba Ao, 66, is the most experienced contender, while younger aspirants such as Imtiwapang, 43, and Toshikaba, 46, bring professional backgrounds into the fray.
Aged 36, Daochier Imchen is the youngest among the six aspirants.
According to the latest electoral roll, there are 22,266 electors in the constituency, including 11,253 men and 11,013 women, who will decide the fate of the candidates.
As per the election schedule, scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 24, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 26.
Polling will be conducted on April 9, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The entire election process is expected to be completed by May 6.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations to ensure transparency in the voting process.