All the preparations have been completed in order to ensure free and fair polling during the by-elections for Ratlam parliamentary constituency and Dewas assembly constituency.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer SS Bansal while talking to media persons here on Thursday said, “The process of filing nominations began on Wednesday with the issuing of notification. Voters will exercise their franchise at 2,503 polling centres. Of them, 518 polling centres are sensitive.”
Bansal further said 253 sector magistrates have been appointed. As many as 268 police mobile teams would constantly monitor the constituencies. He said 42 check-posts have been set up near areas bordering other states to prevent movement of anti-social elements, illegal liquor and large amount of money. Besides, 41 check-posts have been established in districts.
He said fifty-five Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams have been formed. Twenty-nine officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police would be appointed for monitoring and supervisory work. Thirty-nine flying squads have been deployed. Twenty-two companies of the Central Armed Police Force have been requisitioned from the Election Commission, he added. He said prohibitory action has been taken against nearly 1,750 people, who have been asked to fill bonds. Eleven illegal arms have been seized and 2,742 illegal weapons deposited.
Bansal said two expenditure observers have already arrived while a total of 2,755 presiding officers and 13,775 polling officials have already arrived. The nominations could be filed till November 4.
These will be scrutinised on November 5. Candidates would be able to take back their names till November 7. The voting for both the by-polls would be held on November 21 and counting of votes would be taken up on November 24. The entire election process would be over by November 26, he added.