The State Election Commission (SEC) is all geared up to conduct the much-awaited Pipili Assembly by-election on September 30 even as political parties’ leaders and campaigners observing a ‘silence period’ ahead of 72 hours of the polling.
State Chief Electoral Officer Sushil Kumar Lohani told reporters on Tuesday that the by-poll would be held in adherence to all Covid-19 protocols.The constituency has total 2,29,998 voters while polling will be held at total 348 booths.
As many as 201 polling booths have been identified as sensitive. Micro Observers and Central forces would be deployed in the region for the by-poll. “CCTV cameras will be installed at the sensitive booths. Besides, 2,000 police personnel will be deployed in the area to ensure smooth conduct of the election. All poll agents to be deployed at booths have to be fully vaccinated against the virus. This apart, 423 vehicles have been hired for transportation of 2,200 polling staffs. Besides, 348 VVPAT machines and 924 postal ballots will be used in the election. Around 1,000 people can cast their vote at each booth,” Lohani said.
Besides Voter ID, people can show 11 other ID proofs to cast their votes at the polling centres. All voters would undergo thermal screening and be provided with hand gloves at the centres. Those with high body temperature would get tokens to cast their votes during last one hours, he further said. Lohani added that three complaints regarding violation of model code of conduct were being probed and officials concerned have been asked to take action accordingly.