Nomination for Nagaland Assembly polls ends today

Kohima, Feb 16 : The filing of nomination papers for the single-phase Assembly poll in Nagaland on March 5, ends today.

In all the total number of nominations filed for the assembly elections so far is 152.

Most of the candidates in the state have filed their nominations, including some major leaders - former Chief Minister and NPF Legislature Party leader Neiphiu Rio, CLP leader I Imkong, former Planning Minister and NPF President Shurhozelie, former Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie (NPF), former Medical minister Dr T M Lotha (BJP) and former Home minister Thenucho (NPF).

The main contest is between the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) and the Congress party.

Scrutiny of papers will be held on February 18 and the last date for withdrawal is February 20.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has issued guidelines on the use of government vehicles by candidates during electioneering.

In a fresh order, the State's Chief Electoral Officer, C J Ponraj, 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.

All 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