Naga People's Front retained Chümoukedima and Wokha wards, while an Independent candidate won the Atoizu Town Council by-election.
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DIMAPUR/WOKHA — The Naga People's Front (NPF) retained two urban local body seats while an Independent candidate emerged victorious in Atoizu as the results of the by-elections to three town council wards, held on June 16, were declared on Friday.
In Chümoukedima Town Council Ward No. 11 (Chaara), NPF candidate Neichü-u Kuotsu defeated BJP candidate Kezhanguto Zhotso by a margin of 90 votes. Kuotsu secured 326 votes, accounting for 58.01% of the valid votes cast, while Zhotso polled 236 votes (41.99%).
Of the 566 votes cast, four were declared invalid. The by-election was necessitated following the demise of former councillor Keneiseto Medoze in September 2025.
Speaking to media persons after the declaration of results, Kuotsu thanked the electorate for their support and pledged to prioritise the development of Ward No. 11, which he described as largely underdeveloped.
He said that he would pursue the promises made during his campaign by engaging with the departments and ministers concerned.
Despite the electoral contest, Kuotsu maintained that there was no personal animosity between him and his BJP opponent, saying they shared a cordial relationship and were "like brothers".
Meanwhile, in Wokha Town Council Ward No. 8 (Tsumang 'B'), NPF candidate Aling Lotha defeated BJP nominee Mhomo Humtsoe by 37 votes. Lotha secured 296 votes (53.33%) while Humtsoe polled 259 votes (46.67%) out of 555 valid votes. A total of 565 votes were cast, with 10 ballots declared invalid.
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Polling day in Wokha witnessed isolated incidents of violence, which police swiftly brought under control, ensuring the smooth conduct of the election.
Following his victory, Lotha thanked the NPF leadership, party workers and supporters for their trust and support, and pledged to work for the welfare and development of Ward No. 8. Highlighting his professional background as an architect, he said that he would contribute his expertise towards scientific town planning and the overall development of Wokha town.
In the by-election to Ward No. 9 (Samba Ghoki) of Atoizu Town Council, Independent candidate Inaka Z Chishi defeated NPF candidate G Shikavi Kiba by 17 votes. Chishi secured 102 votes (54.55%) while Kiba received 85 votes (45.45%). Out of 188 votes cast, one ballot was declared invalid.