Nagaland by-poll sees over 70 percent turnout

The by-poll to the Noksen assembly seat in Tuensang district of Nagaland recorded over 70 percent voter turnout till 5 p.m. Wednesday, when the polling went high-tech with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system.

The Election Commission has for the first time in the country introduced the high-tech Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in this by-election in Nagaland.

The VVPAT system is a new initiative of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. Under the system, the electorates are able to see a printout of their ballot -- displaying the name, election symbol and serial number of the chosen candidate.

Although the voter cannot take the printout home, the votes can be tallied electronically and physically in case there is a dispute about the voting and a petition is filed.

"We have recorded 70.01 poll percentage till 5 p.m.. However, the final poll percentage will increase, as polling continued in one of the polling centres, Longra," Tuensang Deputy Commissioner Mhumbemo Lotha said.

"The voters are highly satisfied due to the use of VVPAT system. There is not a single complaint lodged anywhere and all the machines functioned properly," the official said.

A total of 12,074 voters, including 6,142 men and 5,832 women, were registered to exercise their franchise in 21 polling stations spread over 19 villages Wednesday.

The by-poll to the assembly from the Noksen constituency was held following the resignation of Minister for School Education C.M. Chang on March 14.

Lotha also said the polling remained peaceful and that there was no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the district.