Meet The Women Who Made History In Nagaland Urban Local Body Polls

The Nagaland urban local body polls on June 26, held after a two-decade gap, saw many historic feats being achieved. Held with the Supreme Court-mandated 33% reservation, women made up 198 candidates contesting the 278 seats across 24 urban local bodies, with eight contesting from unreserved seats. In a stunning milestone for Nagaland, 102 women emerged victorious. Many of the elected women have not only broken gender barriers but also fought many other odds to set benchmarks in the northeast-Indian state's political landscape. 

The last urban local body polls in Nagaland were held in 2004. Meet the women who made history in the elections: 

Sibuele: Oldest Elected Member

The Peren ward elected Sibuele as the councillor, who made history as the oldest candidate in the State. The 77-year-old told Hindustan Times that she waited years for the opportunity to contest the urban local body (ULB) election. "My home town of Peren is small but without a functioning civic body for so many years, there is much to do. I hope to turn it into a better place for residents,” she told the outlet.

Nzanrhoni I. Mozhui: Youngest Candidate

Nzanrhoni I Mozhui, a 22-year-old enthusiastic candidate, became the youngest-ever elected member in Nagaland's ULB poll history. The BJP candidate won the Bhandari town council ward number 1, which comes under the Wokha district. Mozhui hopes to improve governance and said she is grateful to her family and ward members for their confidence in her.

Sole Tep, Ruth Thong: Breaking Barriers From Unreserved Seat

Sole Tep won the ULB polls from an unreserved ward in Tseminyu. The English Literature graduate told Hindustan Times, "From my experience, politics is not for everyone. It is not easy but if you have a heart for the community and society, you have to be part of decision-making bodies. I encourage young women to boldly step up."

From the same ward, another woman emerged victorious despite being discouraged from contesting as a woman. Ruth Thong told the outlet that she was told not to partake in the elections because Tseminyu was 'not reserved for women'. "I got elected against two male opponents because of the unflinching support of women and the youth in my area," she expressed.