Kohima: In the wake of an indefinite total shutdown declared across six districts in Eastern Nagaland jurisdiction, just on the eve of polling for Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha seat, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has issued a show-cause notice to the ENPO president.
The show-cause notice has been issued to the president of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), raising concerns over potential electoral interference, Nagaland Post reported.
The notice, issued by CEO Nagaland, Vayasan R, highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing Sub-Section (1) of Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. This section pertains to undue influence during elections, stating that “Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offense of undue influence at an election.”
The CEO’s office emphasised that the indefinite total shutdown, proclaimed under the authority of the “Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency,” could be construed as an attempt to exert undue influence during the crucial electoral process.
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This interference, it argued, has the potential to obstruct the free exercise of voting rights for residents in Eastern Nagaland areas, where the general elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 were scheduled for April 19.
The show-cause notice was addressed to the president of ENPO, who holds superintendence over the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room, headquartered in Tuensang. The CEO directed the president to reply to the show-cause notice and mail it immediately.
Also Read | Total shutdown declared in Eastern Nagaland ahead of LS polls