Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has expressed confidence that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) decision to abstain from voting in the upcoming Lok Sabha election will not impact the outcome according to a report by East Mojo. The ENPO’s boycott stems from their demand for a separate Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).
Patton believes that the Peoples’ Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate, Dr. Chumben Murry, will secure a landslide victory despite the ENPO’s absence at the polls.
He emphasised that even without the votes from the Eastern Nagaland region, which comprises six districts and accounts for approximately 3 lakh out of the total 13 lakh voters in Nagaland, the PDA candidate’s success is assured.
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The Deputy Chief Minister cited a historical precedent to support his stance, recalling that in 1998, a candidate won a state Assembly seat with a mere 10 votes. This example underscores the significance of every single vote and suggests that the ENPO’s abstention may not be as impactful as some might assume.
In an effort to address the situation, the state government has appealed to the ENPO to reconsider their decision to boycott the election. The government recognises the importance of inclusive participation and hopes to find a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
The potential impact of the ENPO’s abstention on the election outcome and the political landscape in Nagaland remains a topic of discussion among analysts and observers. Some argue that the absence of a significant portion of the electorate could lead to a shift in voting patterns, while others echo Patton’s confidence in the PDA candidate’s prospects.
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As the election draws closer, all eyes will be on Nagaland to see how the ENPO’s decision to abstain from voting will influence the results. The state government’s efforts to engage with the organisation and find a mutually agreeable solution will also be closely watched, as the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the region’s political future.
