Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called the duo flagbearers of change and carriers of hope. “History has been made,” he said.
“I will try my best to live up to all expectations. This is a new chapter for all of us,” 47-year-old Hekani said in her first victory speech in Dimapur town. “My victory is not mine alone; it belongs to my people, who trusted me with their hopes and aspirations. I dedicate this victory to God and pledge to serve my constituents with honesty and integrity,” she tweeted later.
Fellow victor Salhoutuonuo, 56, had the tougher road to victory in a see-saw final few rounds of counting that saw her pip Independent candidate Keneizhakho Nakhro by seven votes. “Today, we have created history! This momentous victory belongs to us,” tweeted Salhoutuonuo, who has served as president of the influential Angami Women Organisation. “My win is an opportunity to prove that women can become decision makers at the highest level in government for the welfare of the people,” she said.
