Kohima (Nagaland) (India), June 21 (HBTV): As many as 523 candidates are in the fray for the forthcoming Urban Local Body Election 2024 in Nagaland, the state’s election commissioner said in a press conference on Thursday. 

During the press conference at the commissioner's conference hall, State Election Commissioner (SEC) T John Longkumer said a total of 670 nominations were filed, out of which four were rejected, 79 were withdrawn, 64 were declared uncontested and issued certificates. This left 523 in the fray for the elections. 

"A total of 2,76,229 voters will participate in the election process comprising 1,36,062 male voters, and 1,40,167 female voters," the SEC said. 

Longkumer also informed that there will be no public meetings two days before the election, which will be enforced by the civil and police administration. Further, he said the election commission is ready for re-polls if required.

The SEC appealed for a calm, free, and fair election. Longkumer urged the people to believe in the due process of law and to abstain from all forms of violence. 

State Police Nodal Officer, IGP (Range) Limasunep Jamir said there are 714 polling stations, with 162 categorized as normal, 290 in the sensitive category and 262 categorized as highly sensitive. He said that a total of 108 companies have been deployed for election duty with 8,100 police personnel. 

He said the security is solely focused on the western sector as all the candidates in the eastern district had withdrawn their candidature. 

Officials said the voting will begin by 7.30 am and conclude by 4 pm. However, if there are voters within the vicinity of the voting centres, they will be allowed to vote.  

The voting for the Urban Local Bodies elections in three municipal councils and 36 town councils of Nagaland will held on June 26. This will be the first-ever municipal election in the state with 33 percent reservation for women.

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.