Assembly polls took place across 59 constituencies out of 60 on February 28, 2023. The elections marked massive rigging and violence across districts in the state. 183 candidates were in frey. Over 13 lakh voters exercised their franchise. Polling took place across 2,291 booths, out of which 196 were women managed booths. 85 per cent polling was recorded according to Election Commission of India (ECI).

Reacting to the reports pouring in from the state, 59th a/c Seyochung Sitimi Kiphire district has demanded for an immediate re-poll in polling station No 28 of Changchor village, Kisetong village No. 30 and 44 at Kisetong A, Nagaland over the party alleging the National People’s Party (NPP) for booth capturing. Over 13.9 lakh registered voters exercised their franchise in the polls in the state.

V Kashiho Sangtam, the intending BJP candidate of 59 Assembly Constituency Seyochung Sitimi, has also written a letter addressed to the Returning Officer at 59 ac, for a re-poll at polling station number 30 and 44 at Kisetong A, citing rampant proxy voting as well as multiple voters presence inside the polling booth in the presence of all polling personals, while the Presiding Officer at polling station 30, has issued over 360 token to the non existent electorates, even after the normal timing of polling is over by 4pm, which is a direct violation of the Representation of the People’s Act 1951, and added that it has never happened in the history of any election under the 59 assembly constituency or anywhere in the state. Kashiho Sangtam also questioned the audacity of the polling officials deputed in both the polling stations who aided in booth capturing which is a matter of serious consequence in the polling history of the State. Further, evidence proof of voters repeatedly casting voting even at 8pm have also been enclosed.

Toshiho K Yepthomi, President 59 Mandal BJP, alleged that the NPP made intimidation with threats and life attempts made to the two polling agents at polling station 28 Changchor Village, Nagaland, where complaints and requests were made for a security back up for the BJP electorates but the authority paid no heed to the requests made. Adding to it, the voters slip of the BJP electorates were captured by the NPP and casted all the votes in the presence of the Presiding Officer. Further, the office of the Residing Officer was kept locked the whole day and complaints to address the matter were left in vain. In preview of the matter that escalated, the 59 assembly constituency have demanded for a re-poll to conduct at the earliest.

An eligible voter from the Changchor village have also expressed his disappointment for not being able to caste his vote as his voter slip was already casted by another person unknown to him. There were numerous cases of genuine voters being threatened with life attempts, and were stopped from casting their votes, he informed.

Following the incidents that took place on Monday, and in-order to prevent the misuse of the media from flaring up the tension in the district and prevent the breach of the public peace and tranquility, Nagaland Home Commisioner, Abhijit Sinha have issued a notification on Tuesday, dated 28th February 2023, to prohibit the mobile internet/data service of all the service providers in the entire area of Kiphire district under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with immediate effect till further orders.

It’s not yet confirmed if the ECI will conduct re-polls. There have been no notification issued till now. According to Exit Polls BJP-NDPP alliance will win 35 to 45 Sears. However, the picture will be clear on March 2, 3023 when the results will be declared.