Renchumi Kikon Kuotsu
Research Scholar
Department of Science and Humanities
NIT Nagaland, Chumukedima
A. Wati Walling
Assistance Professor
Department of Science and Humanities
NIT Nagaland, Chumukedima
Abstract
This article aims to bring forth the electoral practices of the Nagas in the Northeastern part of India that are laced with their traditional innuendos affecting negatively the outcome of women’s aspirations in electoral politics. Although democratic institutions, elections and electioneering processes are a reflection of modernity and rationalization, in Nagaland, traditional practices, principles, and values remain robust when it comes to electing political leaders through balloting. The customary practices of the Nagas concerning the issues of power and authority have come to crystallize into new modes and forms of electoral practices. In such a scenario, it becomes extremely difficult for women to come to the political forefront by the mechanism of elections.
Keywords: Customary practices, Naga women, Male-centric polity, Electoral politics.
