Amid the call for boycott by various groups, the poll bound Nagaland witnessed an enthused participation by the voters as the hilly state recorded a voter turnout of more than 75 percent till 3 pm.
The percentage of voter turnout in Nagaland assembly elections till 3 pm has been recorded at 75.49 percent, as per the Election Commission (ECI) report.
The state witnessed nearly 75 percent voter turnout in the 2018 assembly polls and 90.57 percent in 2013.
Polling which began at 7 pm on February 27 came to an official end at 4 pm. The final figure of voting percentage will take some time as authorities collate final data from all across the state.
Overall the voting went off peacefully barring a few stray incidents of violence.
Stone pelting and blank firing were reported from the Bhandari constituency in Wokha district between supporters of two parties.
According to police, the situation was brought under control very soon and the voting process started after a brief halt in the constituency.
Altogether 305 companies from various security forces were deployed at the polling stations across the state to ensure a smooth and fair voting process.
M Neiphiu Rio, who is seeking re-election for the seventh consecutive term from the seat, exuded confidence that the “NDPP-BJP alliance will return to power with a massive win”.
The CM also appealed to voters, particularly those who are eligible to exercise their franchise for the first time, to participate in the festival of democracy.
“In Nagaland, people want the solution to the Naga issue, permanent peace and development,” he said.
The state’s chief electoral officer, V Shashank Shekhar said that around 13.16 lakh voters, including 6,55,144 women, will decide the electoral chances of 183 candidates, including four women nominees.
In the 2018 assembly polls, 190 candidates, including five women, contested the elections.
