Dimapur, Jan. 14: There was no report of any candidate to the municipal and town council elections withdrawing their candidature on January 14. 53 candidates have withdrawn so far from the race following opposition from various community organisations across the state. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is January 17.
Three Wokha candidates withdraw nominations
In compliance with a community resolution to withdraw nominations to the urban local body elections of Wokha and Bhandari town councils, several candidates from said areas have withdrawn their candidature.
The Lotha Hoho issued a press release on Saturday informing about the development.
The organisation informed about a meeting of the ‘public of Wokha town,’ surrounding villages, and Lotha frontal organisations that was conducted in Wokha on January 14 “to enforce the process of withdrawal of nomination.”
Many intending candidates expressed willingness to withdraw their nominations, the organisation stated. But January 14 being second Saturday and a non-working day, the office of the Returning Officer was closed.Nonetheless, “in the meeting hall itself,” three Independent candidates namely Zaremo Murry, Janponthung Ngullie and Abel Ennio, signed their “withdrawal bond,” the organisation stated. “Other candidates have also assured that they will withdraw with the (sic) NPF party candidates assuring the house, through Mr. N. Mhabemo Ezung (candidate for ward No. 11), that they would withdraw collectively,” the Lotha Hoho stated.
While expressing appreciation to the candidates who have withdrawn their nominations, the organisation has urged all other candidates to withdraw too, early.
“The option to withdraw nomination through the Lotha Hoho, is kept open till 12:00 AM (midnight) of 16th January 2017,” it stated. “For withdrawal of nomination, through the LH, the candidates may contact Mobile Nos. 9612050357 & 9436078556.”
The house also reaffirmed the resolution that any candidate failing to withdraw will “bear the responsibility, for any consequence.” The “terms and conditions” for failing to withdraw include “non cooperation, social exclusion, barring from leadership, responsibility for any eventuality relating to ULB elections 2017,” the press release added.
