218 candidates in fray for Nagaland polls

Kohima, Feb 22 : A total of 218 candidates will contest the single-phase Assembly poll in Nagaland on March 5.

The main contest is between the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) and the Congress party.rominent leaders seeking re-elections include two former Chief Ministers Neiphiu Rio (NPF) and K L Chishi (Congress). CLP leader I Imkong will contest from Jamgpetkong constituency in Mokokchung District against NPF candidate Dr I Longri.

A release, issued by the Chief Electoral Office (CEO), stated that the Congress is fighting for 60 assembly seats, NPF (56), RJD (25), Nationalist Congress Party (8), BJP (23), JD (U) (3), JD(S) (4), United Naga Democratic Party (2), , LJP (3), Adarsh Political Party (1) and Independents (33).

CEO, C J Panraj said as Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) could be issued only to 43 per cent of the voters, the Election Commission had allowed the electorate to use any of the nine other documents as identity proof.

Earlier, Ponraj had said only private vehicles can be used by contesting candidates or agents, but they must procure registration from the respective district election officer (DEO) or any other officers authorised by the DEO furnishing the registration number, the type of vehicle to be used and the area to be covered.

These details must be handed over to expenditure observers, as any vehicle found campaigning without such registration shall be deemed to be unauthorised and liable for penal provisions under the IPC, a circular stated.

The district administration and the police have been asked to undertake a drive for the checking of vehicles to restrain their use for smuggling illegal arms or other activities. ll parties have been asked to submit a list of their programmes to the CEO's office within seven days of the issuance of the poll notification under the Representation of People's Act 1951.

The counting of votes will take place on March 7.

ANI