2013 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election

2013 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election
23 February 2013
All 60 to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly
31 seats needed for a majority
Turnout91.62%
  First party Second party
 
Leader Neiphiu Rio Tokheho Yepthomi
Party NPF INC
Alliance NDA UPA
Leader's seat Northern Angami-II Dimapur - III
Last election 26 23
Seats won 38 8
Seat change 12 15
Popular vote 515,059 272,515
Percentage 47.0% 24.9%
Seatwise result map of the election
Structure of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after the election
Chief Minister before election

Neiphiu Rio
NPF

Chief Minister after election

Neiphiu Rio
NPF

An election was held on 23 February 2013 to elect the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from each of the 60 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in the state of Nagaland in India.

Background

The mandate of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, formed after the 2008 election, expired on 10 March 2013. Hence, the elections to the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly was announced by the Election Commission of India on 11 January 2013. Consequently, the Model Code of Conduct came into force from that day in the state until the elections were concluded.[1] 59 of the total 60 seats in the assembly are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates.[2]

Parties contested

The incumbent NPF fielded candidates in all 60 seats.[3] The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) contested the elections with the intention to create a third front amidst the historical tussle between a national and regional party in the state elections. NCP president Neiba Ndang pitched the party as a 'national party with a regional mindset' against the 'shoddy development activities' of the incumbent Rio government.[4] BJP fought the elections in 11 seats.[5]

Party Flag Symbol Leader Seats contested
Naga People's Front Neiphiu Rio 60
Indian National Congress S. I. Jamir 56
Nationalist Congress Party Neiba Ndang 15
Bharatiya Janata Party Nitin Gadkari 11
Janata Dal (United) Nitish Kumar 3
Rashtriya Janata Dal Lalu Prasad Yadav 2
United Naga Democratic Party 1

Electoral promises

The BJP acknowledged the “unique background and separate entity of the Eastern Naga peoples.”[6] BJP national president, Nitin Gadkari assured a separate state for Frontier Nagaland if the party comes to power at the national level after the 2014 Indian general election.[6][7]

Candidates

The last date to withdraw candidature was 9 February 2013, two weeks before the polling.[1] After the scrutiny of the nomination papers put up by the candidates, 187 candidates in total were able to contest for a total of 60 seats.[8] T. A. Ngullie, on a BJP ticket, was the oldest candidate at the age of 80, while Wanglem Konyak, an independent candidate was the youngest at 29.[8] K. L. Chishi of the INC was one of the richest legislators in the state with assets worth ₹510,000,000 (51 crore).[9]

Two women candidates stood for elections, Dr. Yangerla for Mokokchung Town constituency as an independent candidate and Rhakila for Tuensang Sadar II constituency as a BJP candidate.[10][11] The former was previously the director of the state's Department of Health and Family Welfare.[12] The latter was the widow of the Lakiumong, a former minister and MLA from the same constituency. The NPF as well as INC did not field any woman candidate for the election.[11] In the 2008 Nagaland election, there were four women candidates.[2]

INC candidate and sitting MLA from Tuensang Sadar I, P. Chuba Chang, died on 22 February 2013 amidst his election campaign.[13] Therefore, the polls were adjourned in the constituency to 23 March 2013, providing INC time until 6 March 2013 to file nomination of a new candidate.[1] The party failed to field another candidate.[14]

Violations

Election officials seized ₹10,000,000 (1 crore) from sitting MLA of Tamlu constituency, and NPF candidate, H. Nyemli Phom,[15][16] as his chartered helicopter landed without prior permission at the Assam Rifles helipad in Longleng district. Phom claimed that the money belonged to NPF party funds and was given to him for party expenses across the state. He provided an authorised letter from the party treasurer. The election officers filed an FIR in this connection.[17] Election officials, assisted by Assam Rifles, also found outgoing Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen, with more than ₹11,000,000 (1.1 crore) and weapons from his vehicle at Sathupang in Wokha district on route to his Koridang constituency.[18] Imchen was detained by the officials.[19] Imchen issued a statement asserting that he had committed "no wrong over the incident under the law." The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee sought his disqualification from contesting viewing the haul as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and Arms Act, 1959.[18] Overall, in a survey conducted by YouthNet in collaboration with Association for Democratic Reforms, they found candidates had spent over ₹937 crore in pursuit of being elected to the assembly in 2013. This was almost double the spent in 2008 elections.[20] YouthNet director, Hekani Jakhalu noted that the report was aimed to, "to educate the masses to shift from the vicious circle which would bring checks and balances in the system for overall development of Nagaland."[3]

Voting

Electorate

It was the first time elections in the state were conducted with photo electoral rolls. The rolls were published on 10th January 2013 a day prior to the announcement of the elections. The total number of registered voters by the last day to file nominations was 11,98,449.[21]

Total electors[21]
General Electors Service Electors Total Electors
Districts Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Dimapur 93690 88547 182237 878 138 1016 94568 88685 183253
Peren 28322 28707 57029 83 5 88 28405 28712 57117
Kohima 66958 70550 137508 263 37 300 67221 70587 137808
Pughoboto 6325 6472 12797 56 9 65 6381 6481 12862
Phek 52714 54052 106766 253 9 262 52967 54061 107808
Mokokchung 68197 65981 134178 1078 145 1223 69275 66126 135401
Zunheboto 46266 46561 92827 468 117 585 46734 46678 93412
Wokha 51187 50867 102054 748 29 777 51935 50896 102831
Mon 79900 73783 153683 297 65 362 80197 73848 154045
Longleng 19679 17631 37310 11 0 11 19690 17631 37321
Tuensang 64040 61011 125051 276 42 318 64316 61053 125369
Kiphire 26553 25391 51944 57 1 58 26610 25392 52002
State Total 603831 589553 1193384 4468 597 5065 608299 590150 1198449

The total votes polled was 10,80,887, which was 90.57% of the total voters in the state.[22] The male and female voting stood was 89.09% and 91.33% respectively.[23] The election was conducted with 12 returning officers and 84 assistant returning officers. The former are usually the respective districts' Deputy Commissioner in Nagaland. 2024 polling stations were created, an increase of 234 from the 2009 Indian general election in the state. Of these, 1904 were main polling station and 120 designated as auxiliary polling station. At 280, Dimapur District had the highest number of polling stations.[21] The election was conducted entirely through 2064 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Of these 40 were replaced due to defects, and three were damaged on the polling day and re-poll were ordered.[24]

Security

Before the polls, 821 polling stations were identified as sensitive while 662 were deemed as hyper-sensitive. Therefore, 230 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Nagaland Armed Police were deployed for the elections. This was an increase from 180 companies for the 2008 assembly election. 191 of these arrived in the state after being deployed for the 2013 Tripura elections and its conclusion. Besides the CAPF, the state would also deployed approximately 13,000 personnels from Nagaland Police, village guards, and home guards.[11] In total, 24785 security personnel were deployed to monitor the elections.[25] Special orders were issued that prohibited carrying arms and other weapons. The district police force provided details mapping the polling stations vulnerable to poll-related violence.[26] Deputy Election Commissioner of India, Sudhir Tripathi, was also present in the state as an observer.[27]

On 7 February, three people were injured when supporters of different parties clashed at Molungkimong village under Alongtaki constituency. Personnels from the Police and Indian Reserve Battalion took control of the situation, and later, found several arms and ammunitions in one of the house. On 8 February, election-related violence was witnessed in Mokokchung village, under Mongoya constituency, between people affiliated to different political parties. Eight people were arrested after some vehicles were damaged and a house ransacked. Police found huge quantity of alcohol at the house previously ransacked. On the same day, police also dismantled a check post erected near Longsima village to stop vehicles and frisk people.[28]

Despite the heavy security arrangements, on 20 February, three days before the elections, a bomb blast occurred near Dimapur railway station which killed one person. Security forces then cordoned off the area.[29]

Repoll

Consequently, nine EVMs were used for re-polls in nine polling stations.[24] Firstly, to cover EVMs that were three damaged on the polling day due to violence: Toshiho in Ghaspani II constituency and Hoshepu A & B station in Aghunato constituency.[30] At the latter, armed supporters of two candidates had clashed resulting in violence.[27] Secondly, fresh polls were also ordered for the two polling stations in Yangkhao village in Tobu constituency and Alisopur village in Longkhim–Chare constituency as the number of votes polled were more than the total electorate of these villages.[30] Finally, as the Assam Armed Police (AAP) obstructed polling in Ladaigarh of the Tamlu constituency re-poll was necessitated.[30] Assam considers the area disputed. Longleng's Deputy Commissioner, K. Libanthung Lotha, had rushed to the area to intervene but it could not conducted on 23 February.[27]

Results

NPF won 38 seats which was a clear mandate returning Rio to power.[31] It won six of the seven seats in Kohima district.[2] It was the worst performance by INC in the state as it was reduced to single digit for the first time. It also failed to win a single seat in eight districts. In Tuensang district, it lost all three seats it won in 2008.[2] Former Chief Minister S. C. Jamir attributed the INC poor performance to 'money power' employed by NPF. NCP increased its tally from two to four seats this election. Eight independents also won.[32]

The two women candidates who stood for elections, Dr. Yangerla and Rhakila lost the elections. As an independent candidate, the former forfeited her deposited as she polled merely 579 votes for the Mokokchung Town seat, and the latter came third with 4193 votes for the Tuensang Sadar II seat.[14] Thereby, Nagaland once again failed to elect any woman to its state assembly.

Parties and coalitions Popular vote Seats
Votes % ±pp Won +/−
Nagaland People's Front (NPF) 515,059 47.0 13.4 38 12
Indian National Congress (INC) 272,515 24.9 11.4 8 15
Independents (IND) 194,314 17.8 4.7 8 1
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) 66,277 6.1 2.0 4 2
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 19,121 1.8 3.6 1 1
Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) 18,049 1.7 1.4 1 1
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) 5,446 0.5 6.1 0
United Naga Democratic Party (UNDP) 4,071 0.4 0.2 0
Total 1,094,852 100.00 60 ±0

Results by constituency

The incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio won the Northern Angami II seat with the highest margin of votes with 12671 more votes than his nearest rival. INC candidate Chubatoshi Apok Jamir retained the Mokokchung Town seat with a small margin of 47 votes.[8] Rio also retained his seat polling the highest percentage of votes at 85.32% while NCP candidate Sajukha Rengma gained only 0.09% of votes in Tseminyü. Rengma along with 46 other candidates forfeited their security deposit. Sitting MLA, Kejong Chang of the NPF was the oldest candidate elected[8] at the age of 77,[33] while Merentoshi R. Jamir, also an NPF candidate, was the youngest[8] at the age of 32[34] in the new assembly.

Forty percent of elected candidates were first-timers.[2]

  • Winner, runner-up, voter turnout, and victory margin in every constituency[35]
Assembly Constituency Turnout Winner Runner Up Margin
#k Names % Candidate Party Votes % Candidate Party Votes %
1 Dimapur I 81.48 Tovihoto Ayemi NPF 6,952 42.93 K. L. Chishi INC 5,114 31.58 1,838
2 Dimapur II 80.26 S. I. Jamir INC 14,151 37.90 Savi Liegise IND 12,536 33.58 1,615
3 Dimapur III 86.75 Tokheho Yepthomi INC 12,809 53.22 Azheto Zhimomi NPF 10,778 44.78 2,031
4 Ghaspani I 87.77 Jacob Zhimomi IND 26,287 51.00 H. Khekiho Zhimomi NPF 25,255 49.00 1,032
5 Ghaspani II 89.44 Zhaleo Rio NPF 11,189 41.17 Y. Hewoto Awomi INC 8,801 32.38 2,388
6 Tening 94.17 Namri Nchang NPF 9,151 33.48 Tarie Zeliang INC 8,003 29.28 1,148
7 Peren 89.83 T. R. Zeliang NPF 13,627 54.00 Iherie Ndang INC 10,991 43.56 2,636
8 Western Angami 82.99 Kiyanilie Peseyie NPF 5,969 44.17 Asu Keyho INC 4,969 36.77 1,000
9 Kohima Town 81.20 Neikiesalie Nicky Kire NPF 15,506 63.66 Vikuotuolie Angami IND 8,795 36.11 6,711
10 Northern Angami I 87.15 Khriehu Liezietsu NPF 8,232 57.48 Prasielie Pienyu INC 6,072 42.40 2,160
11 Northern Angami II 94.00 Neiphiu Rio NPF 15,305 85.30 Kevise Sogotsu INC 2,634 14.68 12,671
12 Tseminyü 95.98 Levi Rengma IND 9,212 37.59 R. Khing NPF 8,444 34.46 768
13 Pughoboto 94.72 Y. Vikheho Swu NPF 7,208 59.16 Joshua Achumi INC 4,922 40.40 2,286
14 Southern Angami I 92.24 Vikho-o Yhoshü NPF 8,413 68.07 Nagakul Tase INC 3,921 31.72 4,492
15 Southern Angami II 92.57 Kropol Vitsu NPF 10,626 67.21 Viswesül Pusa INC 5,175 32.73 5,451
16 Pfütsero 93.88 Neiba Kronu NPF 6,636 32.21 Kewekhape Therie INC 5,949 28.88 687
17 Chizami 94.64 Deo Nukhu NPF 5,695 34.37 Kevechutso Doulo IND 5,253 31.70 442
18 Chozuba 94.75 Chotisuh Sazo NPF 14,104 57.85 Vaprumu Demo INC 7,703 31.59 6,401
19 Phek 90.82 Küzholuzo Nienü NPF 11,447 56.55 Vekho Swuro IND 7,559 37.34 3,888
20 Meluri 95.29 Yitachu NPF 12,030 64.57 Khuosatho INC 6,479 34.78 5,551
21 Tuli 91.84 Amenba Yaden IND 7,408 45.36 L. Temjen Jamir NPF 4,659 28.53 2,749
22 Arkakong 94.15 Nuklutoshi NPF 8,544 54.61 Takatiba Masa Ao INC 7,094 45.34 1,450
23 Impur 95.94 Imtiwapang Aier INC 6,122 62.94 T. N. Mannen NPF 3,597 36.98 2,525
24 Angetyongpang 91.90 S. Chuba Longkumer IND 5,480 40.13 Sashimar NPF 5,068 37.11 412
25 Mongoya 87.52 Merentoshi R. Jamir NPF 8,808 67.89 Ngangshi K. Ao INC 4,125 31.79 4,683
26 Aonglenden 85.84 Imtikümzük Longkümer INC 5,604 54.64 Toshipokba NPF 4,633 45.17 971
27 Mokokchung Town 86.15 Chubatoshi Apok Jamir INC 2,229 44.50 Rosemtong NPF 2,182 43.56 47
28 Koridang 96.40 Imkong L. Imchen NPF 11,869 65.34 T. Chalukumba Ao IND 6,134 33.77 5,735
29 Jangpetkong 88.85 Longrineken NPF 3,117 32.64 E. T. Sunup IND 2,961 31.00 156
30 Alongtaki 92.98 Benjongliba Aier NPF 7,087 55.13 Moatoshi Longkumer IND 5,596 43.53 1,491
31 Akuluto 94.74 Khekaho INC 6,070 59.73 Kazheto Kinimi NPF 4,087 40.22 1,983
32 Atoizu 96.17 Picto Shohe IND 8,965 57.99 Doshehe Y. Sema NPF 5,681 36.75 3,284
33 Suruhoto 95.02 Shetoyi NPF 6,952 51.30 Kiyezhe Aye INC 6,547 48.31 405
34 Aghunato 88.34 Pukhayi NPF 6,902 52.87 Hukiye N. Tissica INC 6,141 47.04 761
35 Zünheboto 87.71 S. Hukavi Zhimomi INC 6,827 36.13 K. C. Nihoshe NPF 6,550 34.66 277
36 Satakha 91.01 G. Kaito Aye NPF 10,873 74.55 Vitoho Zhimomi INC 3,705 25.40 7,168
37 Tyüi 95.33 Yanthungo Patton NPF 11,525 56.99 Yankithung Yanthan INC 5,985 29.60 5,540
38 Wokha 94.04 T. M. Lotha NCP 16,401 50.88 Chumben Murry NPF 14,919 46.28 1,482
39 Sanis 97.79 N. Thomas Lotha IND 6,983 32.15 Nkhao Lotha RJD 5,413 24.92 1,570
40 Bhandari 97.91 Mmhonlümo Kikon NCP 8,183 33.26 Achumbemo Kikon IND 7,929 32.23 254
41 Tizit 91.97 P. Paiwang Konyak BJP 7,967 46.92 Aloh NPF 4,991 29.40 2,976
42 Wakching 95.33 Y. M. Yollow Konyak IND 10,063 54.95 M. C. Konyak NPF 8,248 45.04 1,815
43 Tapi 88.29 Noke Wangnao NPF 6,998 53.75 Lanpha Konyak INC 4,319 33.17 2,679
44 Phomching 96.96 Pohwang Konyak NPF 10,499 55.81 K. Konngam Konyak INC 8,062 42.85 2,437
45 Tehok 91.43 C. L. John NPF 10,917 77.27 W. Wongyuh Konyak INC 3,026 21.42 7,891
46 Mon Town 92.45 N. Thongwang Konyak NPF 6,870 37.29 Y. Mankhao Konyak INC 6,596 35.81 274
47 Aboi 94.34 E. Eshak Konyak INC 4,599 43.32 Nyeiwang Konyak NPF 3,906 36.79 693
48 Moka 96.57 E. E. Pangteang NPF 10,649 64.56 Longang INC 5,824 35.31 4,825
49 Tamlu 98.22 B. S. Nganlang Phom JD(U) 7,276 51.23 Nyemli Phom NPF 5,398 38.01 1,878
50 Longleng 97.15 S. Pangnyu Phom NPF 13,171 59.30 T. L. Semdok NCP 8,936 40.24 4,235
51 Noksen 94.53 C. M. Chang NPF 5,602 49.02 Y. Lima Onen Chang NCP 4,510 39.47 1,092
52 Longkhim Chare 98.60 A. Imtilemba Sangtam NCP 7,273 36.28 Thrinimong Sangtam INC 5,814 29.00 1,459
53 Tuensang Sadar I 76.09 Toyang Changkong Chang IND 9,534 56.74 L. Elam Chang NPF 7,262 43.22 2,272
54 Tuensang Sadar II 91.59 Kejong Chang NPF 5,268 29.49 I. N. Mongba INC 4,699 26.30 569
55 Tobu 97.22 Naiba Konyak NPF 10,118 56.21 Bongkhao INC 7,881 43.79 2,237
56 Noklak 97.84 Puthai Longon NPF 9,168 60.74 H. Haiying INC 5,863 38.84 3,305
57 Thonoknyu 97.47 L. Khumo Khiamniungan NCP 7,963 44.62 S. Heno Khiamniungan NPF 6,656 37.29 1,307
58 Shamator–Chessore 86.87 R. Tohanba NPF 6,602 43.12 K. Yimso Yimchunger JD(U) 3,688 24.09 2,914
59 Seyochung–Sitimi 97.96 C. Kipili Sangtam NPF 12,507 57.63 Tsasepi Sangtam INC 9,108 41.97 3,399
60 Pungro–Kiphire 92.98 T. Torechu NPF 15,894 57.27 R. Tsapikiu Sangtam INC 11,349 40.89 4,545

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Alam 2013, p. 7.
  2. ^ a b c d e "General Election 2013 to the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland". Economic and Political Weekly. 48 (24): 81–82. 2013. ISSN 0012-9976.
  3. ^ a b "147 candidates spent Rs 937.82 crore in 2013 Nagaland assembly poll". The Economic Times. Press Trust of India. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "NCP Nagaland for change". The Morung Express. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  5. ^ Kumar, Ananth (31 January 2013). "List: BJP candidates for Legislative Assembly Election 2013 for Nagaland". Bharatiya Janata Party. Archived from the original on 8 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  6. ^ a b Longkumer, Along (26 February 2018). "Nagaland's Cycle of Slogans, Elections, and Elusive Solutions". The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy.
  7. ^ "BJP woos Eastern Nagaland". Morung Express. 15 December 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  8. ^ a b c d e Alam 2013, p. 16.
  9. ^ Chakravarty, Ipsita (12 February 2018). "In Nagaland, where leaders matter more than party, BJP is gathering political heavyweights". Scroll.in. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  10. ^ Alam 2013, p. 17.
  11. ^ a b c TNN 2013.
  12. ^ Maitreyee (21 February 2013). "Assembly Elections: Will Nagaland get its first woman MLA?". One India. Retrieved 6 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ "Nagaland: Congress candidate passes away". The Times of India. 23 February 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  14. ^ a b Alam 2013, p. 44.
  15. ^ "Election Commission team seizes Rs 1 crore from chopper in Nagaland". The Times of India. 16 February 2013. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  16. ^ "EC team seizes Rs. 1 crore cash from chopper in Nagaland". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 16 February 2013. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  17. ^ "Rs One crore seized from NPF candidate". The Morung Express. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ a b IANS (19 February 2013). "Nagaland Home Minister resigns". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  19. ^ "India Nagaland minister detained for carrying cash and arms". BBC News. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  20. ^ YouthNet (3 May 2016). "YouthNet's Studies show almost 1000 Cr spent in Nagaland Assembly Elections". YouthNet. Archived from the original on 8 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  21. ^ a b c Alam 2013, p. 8.
  22. ^ Alam 2013, p. 33.
  23. ^ Alam 2013, p. 12.
  24. ^ a b Alam 2013, p. 11.
  25. ^ Alam 2013, p. 29.
  26. ^ Alam 2013, p. 10.
  27. ^ a b c Dutta, Ananya (24 February 2013). "Over 83 per cent turnout in Nagaland". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  28. ^ "Pre-poll violence in Tripura, Nagaland". The Shillong Times. UNI. 10 February 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ Maitreyee (20 February 2013). "Bomb Blast shocks Nagaland ahead of elections, 1 killed". One India. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  30. ^ a b c Alam 2013, p. 13.
  31. ^ Das, Manosh; Bhattacharjee, Biswendu; Rutsa, Xavier (1 March 2013). "NE election 2013: No blaming Rio, same government back". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  32. ^ "NPF wins absolute majority on own in Nagaland". The New Indian Express. IANS. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  33. ^ Alam 2013, p. 46.
  34. ^ Alam 2013, p. 45.
  35. ^ Alam 2013, p. 38-44.

Bibliography

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.