Nagaland State Election Commission issues guidelines on polling station entry and voter identification for the June 16 by-elections.
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DIMAPUR — The State Election Commission (SEC) of Nagaland has issued instructions on the admission of persons into polling stations and voter identification norms for the upcoming municipal by-elections scheduled for June 16.
The by-elections will be held in Ward 11 (Chaara) under Chümoukedima Town Council, Ward 8 (Tsumang ‘B’) under Wokha Town Council, and Ward 9 (Samba Ghoki) under Atoizu Town Council.
Referring to Rule 48 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2023, the commission stated that only electors, polling officials, election officials on duty, and persons authorised by the commission with valid authority letters or entry passes may be admitted into polling stations.
Others permitted entry include candidates, their election or polling agents, children in arms accompanying electors, companions of blind or infirm electors, and persons engaged by the returning officer or presiding officer under the rules.
The Presiding Officer may appoint a woman polling official or another consenting woman elector to assist women voters. The assistance of the concerned ward or colony gaon bura (GB) may also be taken for voter identification or other polling-related duties when required.
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The SEC clarified that ministers, MPs, state ministers, deputy ministers, advisors, and MLAs are not covered under the category of “public servants on duty” and are therefore not permitted inside polling stations.
Police officers, whether in uniform or plain clothes, are also restricted from entering polling stations unless called by the presiding officer to maintain law and order. Security personnel accompanying candidates, agents, or electors will not be allowed entry.
Returning officers have been directed to issue identity cards to contesting candidates bearing their photographs, while polling agents may be required to produce attested copies of their appointment letters as proof of identity.
For the smooth conduct of polling, separate queues will be maintained for male and female voters. Priority will be given to persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens aged 75 years and above, blind and infirm voters, and women carrying infants.
Media personnel may photograph voters queuing outside polling stations, subject to the maintenance of peace and order. However, entry inside polling stations requires authorisation from the SEC. Photography of polling proceedings, access to voting compartments, and interviews with polling personnel inside polling stations are strictly prohibited to safeguard the secrecy of voting.