Nokchasashi Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Tuensang notified all concerned that Article 326 of the Indian Constitution grants adult suffrage to every citizen of India who is not less than 18 years of age and is registered as a voter, and who is not otherwise disqualified under the Constitution or Law, is entitled to vote in that constituency as per Section 62 of the Representation of People Act, 1951. Further, Section 171C, 171D and 171F of the Indian Penal Code provides that whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral rights commits the offense of undue influence at an election, and whoever at an election applies for a voting paper or votes in the name of any other person; whether living or dead, or in a fictitious name, or who have voted once such election applies at the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets, procures or attempts to procure the voting by any person in any such way, commits the offense of impersonation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

(Thungti Chang IA Tuensang)