# 2018 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election

The elections to the 13th Nagaland State Legislative Assembly was held on 27th February 2018 in 59 out of its 60 constituencies, with one member elected unopposed. The counting of votes took place on 3rd March 2018. The incumbent Naga People's Front (NPF) lost the elections, while Chief minister T. R. Zeliang retained his seat. Former NPF leader, Neiphiu Rio joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) before the elections. Subsequently, with two-thirds majority in the assembly, the NDPP-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance formed the government with Rio as the new Chief Minister of Nagaland.

## Background

The tenure of the 12th Nagaland State Legislative Assembly ended on 13th March 2018.
On 22 Jan 2018, former CM K. L. Chishi joined the BJP along with 12 other leaders and former lawmakers, including former Independent legislator Jacob Zhimomi, at an event in Dimapur.
11 parties issued a statement calling for the postponement of the polls.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the ruling Naga Peoples' Front dissolved their electoral alliance prior to the election. The BJP instead chose to form an alliance with the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, led by former CM Neiphiu Rio.

## Schedule

The dates of the election were announced on 18 January 2018.
| Event | Date | Day |
| Date for nominations | 31 Jan 2018 | Wednesday |
| Last date for filing nominations | 7 Feb 2018 | Wednesday |
| Date for scrutiny of nominations | 8 Feb 2018 | Thursday |
| Last date for withdrawal of candidatures | 12 Feb 2018 | Monday |
| Date of poll | 27 Feb 2018 | Tuesday |
| Date of counting | 3 Mar 2018 | Saturday |
| Date before which the election shall be completed | 5 Mar 2018 | Monday |

## Exit polls

| Polling firm | Date published | | | | |
| Polling firm | Date published | NDPP+ | NPF | INC | Others |
| JanKiBaat-NewsX | 27 January 2018 | 27-32 | 20-25 | 0-2 | 5-7 |
| CVoter | 27 January 2018 | 25-31 | 19-25 | 0-4 | 6-10 |

## Result

9 parties registered to contest the election, as well as a further 11 independent candidates. Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party was declared elected uncontested in the Northern Angami II constituency after no other candidate was nominated against him.
The scheduled election in Northern Angami II constituency did not take place as only incumbent MLA Neiphiu Rio was nominated and was therefore declared elected unopposed.
Seats :
| Parties and coalitions | Parties and coalitions | Votes | % | Candidates | Won | +/− |
| | Naga People's Front (NPF) | 389,912 | 38.8 | 58 | 26 | 12 |
| | NDPP (NDPP) | 253,090 | 25.2 | 40 | 18 | 18 |
| | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 153,864 | 15.3 | 20 | 12 | 11 |
| | National People's Party (NPP) | 69,506 | 6.9 | 25 | 2 | 2 |
| | Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) | 45,089 | 4.5 | 13 | 1 | |
| | Independents (IND) | 43,008 | 4.3 | 11 | 1 | 7 |
| | Indian National Congress (INC) | 20,752 | 2.1 | 18 | 0 | 8 |
| | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) | 10,693 | 1.1 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) | 7,491 | 0.7 | 3 | 0 | |
| | Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) | 2,765 | 0.3 | 2 | 0 | |
| | None of the above (NOTA) | | | | | |
| Total | Total | 1,004,760 | 100.00 | 196 | 60 | ±0 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | 1,004,760 | 97.53 | | | |
| Invalid votes | Invalid votes | 2,489 | 2.47 | | | |
| Votes cast / turnout | Votes cast / turnout | 1,007,249 | 85.62 | | | |
| Abstentions | Abstentions | 169,183 | 14.38 | | | |
| Registered voters | Registered voters | 1,176,432 | | | | |

### Results by constituency

Winner, runner-up, voter turnout, and victory margin in every constituency :
| Assembly Constituency | Assembly Constituency | Turnout | Winner | Winner | Winner | Winner | Winner | Runner Up | Runner Up | Runner Up | Runner Up | Runner Up | Margin |
| #k | Names | % | Candidate | Party | Party | Votes | % | Candidate | Party | Party | Votes | % | Margin |
| 1 | Dimapur I | 80.90 | H. Tovihoto Ayemi | | BJP | 11,721 | 63.16 | Pukhavi Yepthomi | | NPF | 5,121 | 27.60 | 6,600 |
| 2 | Dimapur II | 74.14 | Moatoshi Longkumer | | NPF | 21,942 | 56.26 | Supulebten | | NDPP | 15,003 | 38.47 | 6,939 |
| 3 | Dimapur III | 81.14 | Azheto Zhimomi | | NPF | 13,162 | 48.40 | Tokheho | | NDPP | 11,024 | 40.54 | 2,138 |
| 4 | Ghaspani I | 78.94 | Jacob Zhimomi | | BJP | 23,391 | 44.44 | Z. Kasheto Yeptho | | IND | 20,796 | 39.51 | 2,595 |
| 5 | Ghaspani II | 86.52 | Zhaleo Rio | | NDPP | 10,939 | 47.55 | Kevingulie Khro | | NPF | 6,023 | 26.18 | 4,916 |
| 6 | Tening | 76.99 | Namri Nchang | | NDPP | 7,018 | 34.08 | Namduadi Rangkau Zeliang | | NPF | 6,850 | 33.26 | 168 |
| 7 | Peren | 78.20 | T. R. Zeliang | | NPF | 14,064 | 60.48 | Iherie Ndang | | NDPP | 8,632 | 37.12 | 5,432 |
| 8 | Western Angami | 82.42 | Keneizhakho Nakhro | | NPF | 6,516 | 46.21 | Kevisekho Kruse | | NDPP | 5,822 | 41.29 | 694 |
| 9 | Kohima Town | 72.64 | Neikiesalie Nicky Kire | | NDPP | 12,605 | 53.78 | Tseilhoutuo Rhütso | | NPF | 10,233 | 43.66 | 2,372 |
| 10 | Northern Angami I | 76.95 | Khriehu Liezietsu | | NPF | 7,782 | 58.21 | Kekhrielhoulie Yhome | | NDPP | 5,266 | 39.39 | 2,516 |
| 11 | Northern Angami II | - | Neiphiu Rio | | NDPP | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed | Elected Unopposed |
| 12 | Tseminyü | 90.05 | R. Khing | | NDPP | 7,925 | 35.82 | Levi Rengma | | NPP | 7,062 | 31.92 | 863 |
| 13 | Pughoboto | 93.31 | Y. Vikheho Swu | | NPF | 6,258 | 48.21 | Sukhato A. Sema | | BJP | 6,188 | 47.67 | 70 |
| 14 | Southern Angami I | 84.87 | Vikho-o Yhoshü | | NDPP | 5,821 | 50.82 | Medokul Sophie | | NPP | 3,739 | 32.64 | 2,082 |
| 15 | Southern Angami II | 82.23 | Zale Neikha | | NDPP | 7,563 | 52.10 | Kropol Vitsu | | NPF | 6,792 | 46.79 | 771 |
| 16 | Pfütsero | 81.92 | Neiba Kronu | | NDPP | 6,228 | 36.17 | Thenucho | | NPF | 4,914 | 28.54 | 1,314 |
| 17 | Chizami | 89.15 | Kezhienyi Khalo | | NPF | 6,563 | 42.27 | Kevechutso Doulo | | BJP | 6,160 | 39.67 | 403 |
| 18 | Chozuba | 88.76 | Chotisuh Sazo | | NPF | 11,432 | 51.39 | Kudecho Khamo | | NDPP | 10,490 | 47.16 | 942 |
| 19 | Phek | 84.63 | Küzholuzo Nienü | | NPF | 11,127 | 60.28 | Kupota Khesoh | | NDPP | 6,196 | 33.57 | 4,931 |
| 20 | Meluri | 92.26 | Yitachu | | NPF | 7,928 | 46.68 | Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe | | NDPP | 7,854 | 46.24 | 74 |
| 21 | Tuli | 83.44 | Amenba Yaden | | NPF | 3,865 | 26.44 | L. Temjen Jamir | | JD(U) | 2,979 | 20.38 | 886 |
| 22 | Arkakong | 87.70 | Imnatiba | | NPP | 6,307 | 43.49 | Nuklutoshi | | NPF | 5,514 | 38.02 | 793 |
| 23 | Impur | 95.00 | Imtiwapang Aier | | NPF | 4,852 | 49.70 | T. N. Mannen | | NDPP | 4,790 | 49.06 | 62 |
| 24 | Angetyongpang | 80.34 | Tongpang Ozüküm | | IND | 4,607 | 36.03 | Alemtemshi Jamir | | NDPP | 3,657 | 28.60 | 950 |
| 25 | Mongoya | 84.83 | Ngangshi K. Ao | | NPF | 6,883 | 49.12 | Alemtemshi Jamir | | NDPP | 6,535 | 46.64 | 348 |
| 26 | Aonglenden | 85.42 | Imtikümzük Longkümer | | NDPP | 5,206 | 47.92 | Toshipokba | | NPF | 5,118 | 47.11 | 88 |
| 27 | Mokokchung Town | 78.09 | Metsübo Jamir | | NDPP | 2,964 | 50.08 | Chubatoshi Apok Jamir | | NPF | 1,960 | 33.11 | 1,004 |
| 28 | Koridang | 90.51 | Imkong L. Imchen | | NPF | 7,525 | 46.42 | T. Chalukumba Ao | | NPP | 7,397 | 45.64 | 128 |
| 29 | Jangpetkong | 90.31 | Longrineken | | BJP | 3,615 | 35.09 | E. T. Sunup | | NPF | 3,339 | 32.41 | 276 |
| 30 | Alongtaki | 82.73 | Temjen Imna Along | | BJP | 5,981 | 49.96 | Benjongliba Aier | | NPF | 5,895 | 49.24 | 86 |
| 31 | Akuluto | 89.55 | Kazheto Kinimi | | BJP | 4,844 | 52.57 | K. Khekaho Assumi | | NPF | 4,109 | 44.60 | 735 |
| 32 | Atoizu | 92.79 | Picto Sohe | | NPF | 7,643 | 51.26 | Kiyezhe L. Chishi | | BJP | 6,805 | 45.64 | 838 |
| 33 | Suruhoto | 88.22 | H. Khehovi | | BJP | 10,860 | 79.78 | Kaito Jakhalu | | NPF | 2,301 | 16.90 | 8,559 |
| 34 | Aghunato | 76.82 | Pukhayi | | NDPP | 6,399 | 53.96 | Hukiye N. Tissica | | NPF | 4,978 | 41.98 | 1,421 |
| 35 | Zünheboto | 79.45 | K. Tokugha Sukhalu | | NDPP | 9,430 | 55.39 | S. Hukavi Zhimomi | | NPF | 6,882 | 40.42 | 2,548 |
| 36 | Satakha | 82.80 | G. Kaito Aye | | JD(U) | 6,431 | 47.18 | Zheito Chophy | | NPF | 3,888 | 28.53 | 2,543 |
| 37 | Tyüi | 93.10 | Yanthungo Patton | | BJP | 11,709 | 53.51 | Yankithung Yanthan | | NPF | 8,617 | 39.38 | 3,092 |
| 38 | Wokha | 84.06 | Chumben Murry | | NPF | 14,870 | 54.13 | Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe | | JD(U) | 6,315 | 22.99 | 8,555 |
| 39 | Sanis | 94.42 | Mhathung Yanthan | | NDPP | 10,548 | 49.19 | Ramongo Lotha | | JD(U) | 7,556 | 35.23 | 2,992 |
| 40 | Bhandari | 94.58 | Mmhonlümo Kikon | | BJP | 11,205 | 44.72 | Achumbemo Kikon | | NPF | 10,893 | 43.47 | 312 |
| 41 | Tizit | 93.63 | P. Paiwang Konyak | | BJP | 6,981 | 40.75 | Y. Wangto Konyak | | IND | 4,595 | 26.82 | 2,386 |
| 42 | Wakching | 93.59 | Y. M. Yollow Konyak | | NPF | 7,808 | 55.05 | M. C. Konyak | | NDPP | 6,044 | 42.61 | 1,764 |
| 43 | Tapi | 91.29 | Noke Wangnao | | NDPP | 4,284 | 37.17 | N. Aphoa Konyak | | JD(U) | 3,047 | 26.44 | 1,237 |
| 44 | Phomching | 89.46 | Pohwang Konyak | | NDPP | 6,611 | 44.64 | K. Konngam Konyak | | NPF | 5,979 | 40.37 | 632 |
| 45 | Tehok | 92.18 | C. L. John | | NPF | 7,463 | 68.54 | C. Kawang Konyak | | BJP | 2,907 | 26.70 | 4,556 |
| 46 | Mon Town | 89.89 | N. Thongwang Konyak | | NPF | 5,429 | 31.99 | Y. Mankhao Konyak | | NDPP | 5,401 | 31.83 | 28 |
| 47 | Aboi | 94.04 | E. Eshak Konyak | | NPF | 6,036 | 52.88 | Awan Konyak | | NDPP | 5,131 | 44.95 | 905 |
| 48 | Moka | 94.46 | E. E. Pangteang | | NPF | 7,684 | 50.00 | K. Kiko Konyak | | NDPP | 7,536 | 49.04 | 148 |
| 49 | Tamlu | 94.20 | B. S. Nganlang Phom | | NPF | 6,582 | 41.66 | B. Phongshak Phom | | NDPP | 5,624 | 35.60 | 958 |
| 50 | Longleng | 94.53 | S. Pangnyu Phom | | BJP | 9,987 | 40.80 | Y. B. Angam Phom | | NPP | 8,981 | 36.69 | 1,006 |
| 51 | Noksen | 86.37 | C. M. Chang | | NDPP | 4,436 | 43.07 | W. Chingmak Chang | | NPF | 3,860 | 37.48 | 576 |
| 52 | Longkhim Chare | 93.80 | Muthingnyuba Sangtam | | NPF | 9,316 | 46.37 | A. Imtilemba Sangtam | | BJP | 7,468 | 37.17 | 1,848 |
| 53 | Tuensang Sadar I | 78.62 | Toyang Chang | | NPF | 10,087 | 56.88 | T. Mongko Chang | | NDPP | 6,828 | 38.50 | 3,259 |
| 54 | Tuensang Sadar II | 89.02 | Kejong Chang | | NPF | 6,204 | 45.64 | H. Zungkum Chang | | NCP | 4,405 | 32.41 | 1,799 |
| 55 | Tobu | 95.35 | N. Bongkhao Konyak | | NDPP | 9,732 | 54.31 | Naiba Konyak | | NPF | 7,991 | 44.59 | 1,741 |
| 56 | Noklak | 89.27 | H. Haiying | | BJP | 5,643 | 39.98 | P. Longon | | NPF | 5,638 | 39.95 | 5 |
| 57 | Thonoknyu | 87.47 | L. Khumo Khiamniungan | | NPP | 8,389 | 51.32 | S. Heno Khiamniungan | | NPF | 4,345 | 26.58 | 4,044 |
| 58 | Shamator–Chessore | 86.25 | Toshi Wungtung | | NDPP | 4,311 | 28.41 | R. Tohanba | | NPF | 4,004 | 26.38 | 307 |
| 59 | Seyochung–Sitimi | 85.30 | V. Kashiho Sangtam | | BJP | 9,830 | 52.28 | C. Kipili Sangtam | | NPF | 8,668 | 46.10 | 1,162 |
| 60 | Pungro–Kiphire | 78.32 | T. Torechu | | NPF | 8,056 | 35.18 | T. Yangseo Sangtam | | JD(U) | 7,583 | 33.11 | 473 |

## Government Formation

Neiphiu Rio, the leader of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland on 8 March 2018. The ministry had 12 Cabinet ministers including the Chief Minister. Four incumbents including the Chief Minister belonged to the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, while six ministers including the Deputy Chief Minister belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party. One minister was a Naga People's Front MLA. One minister is an Independent MLA. Later, two MLAs from NPP and one from JD(U) merged with Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party