85 per cent polling in Nagaland Assy election

Kohima, Mar 05 (UNI) An estimated 85 per cent of 1.3 million electorate today exercised their franchise to elect the 60-member 11th Nagaland Assembly.

Talking to media persons here, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) C J Ponraj said though an estimated 85 per cent polling was recorded, the percentage would go up as reports from Zunheboto district were yet to come.

He expressed satisfaction over today's polling, which proceeded peacefully overall, barring a few stray incidents.

He also informed that the figures available so far were Dimapur with 80 per cent, Peren 95 per cent (highest), Kohima 77 per cent (lowest), Pughoboto 90 per cent, Phek 80 per cent, Mokokchung 80 per cent, Wokha 80 per cent, Mon 80 per cent, Longleng 80 per cent and Kiphire 85 per cent.

A polling station under Tamlu Assembly constituency under Mon district recorded 99 per cent turnout.

Regarding repolling, the CEO said he was waiting for the reports from the Returning Officers of the respective districts, adding nine EVMs were damaged - five in Tyui constituency under Wokha district, one in Pfutsero in Phek district and three in Tuensang Sadar-I and Noklak 'A' and 'B' constituencies under Tuensang district.

Moreover, 14 polling stations could not be attended by the polling officials following lack of transport facilities as the requisitioned vehicles failed to turn up.

Consequently, a total of 23 polling stations might be recommended for repolling by the Election Commission - 14 stations for non-attendance of election officials and nine stations for damage of EVMs.

Repoll is likely to be taken up on March 7.

He also informed that polling continued till night in several polling stations, as there were still long queues of voters.

Counting will be taken up on March eight simultaneously in 60 centres in the respective districts from 0800 hours and results are expected the same day by noon, the CEO added.

Eds: Pls pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI AS-PB DPM SJC DB2044