A record number of political parties are expected to participate in the upcoming Nagaland state general election to be held on February 27, 2023. The counting of votes will be held on March 2.
These are some of the political parties who have announced to participate:
1. Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)
President: Chingwang Konyak
The NDPP, with prominent figures like chief minister Neiphiu Rio is expected to play an important role in the formation of the next government. The seat sharing pact with BJP is a major talking point.
2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
President: Temjen Imna Along
BJP is gaining momentum as the state polls are approaching with many ticket seekers. It remains to see if this momentum will convert to votes. The party’s pre-poll alliance with NDPP is crucial to formation of the next government.
3. Naga People’s Front (NPF)
President: Shürhozelie Liezietsu
The NPF which was a strong force in previous elections has a tough job at hand. The party will hope to be a part of the post poll arrangements.
4. Indian National Congress (INC)
President: Kewekhape Therie
INC ruled Nagaland 5 times but the party now is a shadow of its glorious past. Headed by its outspoken president Therie, the party will try to make its presence felt in the upcoming election.
5. Janata Dal United (JDU)
President: Senchumo NSN Lotha
The party, which is currently a part of the Bihar government is preparing to contest about 20 seats and is expected to register wins.
6. National People’s Party (NPP)
President: Andrew Ahoto Sema
NPP Nagaland started of as a strong unit but many of its initial executives have left the party. Headed by a vocal president, the party may take calculated approach in selecting candidates. We should see Meghalaya CM and national president Conrad Sangma in election rallies.
7. Rising People’s Party (RPP)
President: Joel Naga
Headed by a young dynamic president, this party has been vocal on various issues. It remains to be seen if Naga people will vote for change.
8. Republican Party of India (A) – RPI (A)
President: Mughato Ayemi
An ally of the NDA government in the centre, this party will take its chances and try to woo ticket seekers. The party announced its first candidate, Z Kasheto Yepthomi, from Ghaspani II assembly constituency.
9. North East Democratic Front (NEDF)
President: Lima Longkumer
NEDF is the latest kid on the block. The party however would only set up or back independent candidates pending the recognition of the NEDF by the election Commission.
10. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
President: Asu Keyho
AAP seems to have woken up late. The party just appointed former MLA Asu Keyho as its president. We will have to wait and watch if Arvind Kejriwal will make a trip to Nagaland.
11. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
A late entrant, Lalu Prasad’s party RJD may contest in about 10 seats as per reports.
12. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
President: Richard Humtsoe
Another party with its’ roots in Bihar, the LJP will try to woo ticket seekers and contest in some seats.
13. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
President: Vanthungo Odyuo
The NCP has managed to win some seats in every state election. The party will be hopeful the MLAs do not jump ship after winning this time.
14. Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP)
President: RL Nelson
A costituent of the NDA government at the centre, Bihar based party RLJP would be fielding candidates in the upcoming Assembly election.