NPP seeks repoll in Nagaland’s Koridang, alleges “massive voter suppression” in Alichen

Kohima, April 9: The National People’s Party (NPP) has approached the Election Commission of India seeking a repoll in a cluster of polling stations in Nagaland’s Koridang Assembly constituency, alleging serious irregularities and large-scale suppression of voter turnout.

In a formal complaint, the party flagged what it described as an “abnormal and alarming” drop in voter participation in the Alichen polling stations under the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency.

According to official data cited by the party, only 1,323 votes were cast out of 3,310 registered voters in Alichen—translating to a turnout of just 39.9%. In contrast, neighbouring polling areas recorded significantly higher participation, ranging from over 70% to as high as 99%.

The NPP claimed that Alichen alone accounted for nearly half of the uncast votes in the constituency, suggesting that the low turnout was not a natural variation but a “localised and deliberate suppression.”

The party also highlighted unusually low participation at specific polling stations within the cluster, where turnout reportedly dropped to as little as 15% and 23%.

Alleging administrative lapses and intimidation, the NPP said the presence of IRB personnel created an atmosphere of fear among voters. It further claimed that polling was halted for nearly an hour due to actions by the ECI observer and district authorities, who conducted extensive identity verification checks during peak voting hours.

“No adequate corrective steps were taken to offset the disruption, such as extending polling hours,” the party said, adding that the situation disproportionately affected rural voters, women, elderly citizens, and daily wage earners.

The party has also alleged possible misuse of state machinery, raising concerns that the developments may have influenced the electoral outcome in a closely contested seat.

Citing video evidence submitted to the Commission, the NPP argued that the scale of disruption and the number of voters unable to cast their ballots could have materially impacted the result.

Invoking constitutional guarantees of free and fair elections, the party has demanded that polling in Alichen be declared “vitiated” and that a re-poll be conducted under enhanced security.

Among its key demands, the NPP has sought deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), a thorough inquiry into the role of election officials and security personnel, and preservation of all polling records, including videography.

“The credibility of the electoral process is seriously compromised when such a large section of voters is unable to exercise their franchise,” the party said.