The district administration has carefully organised arrangements to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the Assembly elections scheduled for Friday. Comprehensive preparations have been made at polling centers across all eight Assemblies in the district. On Thursday, the administration distributed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines to polling parties, with teams arriving at their designated booths by night. In a preventive measure to avert untoward incidents, the administration has implemented Section 144 across the district and declared a dry day until the conclusion of voting.

 

To enhance voter convenience, extensive facilities have been made at all polling booths. Special provisions have been made for disabled persons, elderly and women voters, with dedicated centers established at various locations for the latter. Security arrangements too have been vigilantly planned to ensure a trouble-free election process. To prevent any instances of double voting, the administration will utilize Indelible Ink. Other necessary measures have also been taken to facilitate a peaceful, free and fair voting experience, on Friday.

 

SECTION 144: The administration has imposed Section 144 with an aim to maintain law and order, promoting a peaceful polling environment. Prohibitory orders restrict the assembly of more than five people at public places. Additionally, owners of hostels, dharmshalas, lodges, guest houses and buildings accommodating people from outside the district boundaries have been instructed to provide relevant details to the respective police stations.

 

DRY DAY: In adherence to the directives of the Election Commission of India, the Commercial Tax department of the State Government has declared a dry day until the conclusion of voting. Liquor shops will remain closed on the polling day and this restriction will also be applied to the counting day on December 3. The Public Representative Act prohibits the sale or distribution of addictive liquor, spirits, fermented liquids, or similar substances until the end of polling, with violators facing potential imprisonment, fines or both.

 

INDELIBLE INK: To safeguard against the misuse of voting rights, the Election Commission is taking extra precautions in the application of Indelible ink. This ink will be marked on the index finger of the left hand of voters before they sign the register to cast their vote. Adequate drying time will be allowed to ensure a permanent mark. Any attempts to tamper with the ink mark, such as applying oil or greasy substances, will be addressed by removing such substances. Polling officers are authorized to disallow voters who refuse the ink mark or attempt to remove it, ensuring the integrity of the voting process.