A brief look at Nagaland Assembly Elections 2013

The hill state of Nagaland is all geared up for Nagaland Assembly Elections 2013. People of Nagaland will vote on Saturday, Feb 23. A total of 188 candidates are in fray for 60 assembly seats in Nagaland. Around 11.93 lakh voters are likely to cast their votes during the elections.

Some of the well-known candidates who are trying their luck in electoral battle are Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from Northern Angami II, Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie from Western Angami, Opposition Leader Tokheho Yepthomi from Dimapur III, Congress president SI Jamir from Dimapur II and former Home Minister Imkong L Imchen from Koridang.

Many in Nagaland are hoping that the state will send its first woman MLA to Assembly this time. A total of two women candidates, one from BJP and other an Independent are contesting the elections. Whereas, as much as 39 Independents are in election fray. The ruling Naga People's Front is the only party contesting all the 60 seats.

The opposition Congress is contesting 57 seats, followed by NCP in 15, BJP in 11, JD-U in three, RJD in two and the United Nagaland Democratic Party in one. Of the 2023 polling stations, 821 have been identified as sensitive and 662 as hyper sensitive.

The NPF received a jolt ahead of the election when Home Minister Imkong L Imchen was arrested on February 18 for allegedly carrying over Rs one crore in cash, arms and ammunition and liquor in his vehicle. In the outgoing 11th Nagaland Assembly, the ruling NPF had 35 members and the support of six Independents, while Congress had 18 members backed by an Independent.

Altogether 255 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state for the elections. Counting will be held on February 28.