Agartala, Sept 27: Tripura is all set to go to Village Committees elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on Monday, with the State Election Commission putting in place extensive administrative and security arrangements across the state.
The State Election Commission has urged voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights without fear, while maintaining peace and discipline throughout the polling process.
The polling will cover 2,950 seats in 587 Village Committees, with authorities taking additional measures to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere. According to the State Election Commission, 1,644 seats have already been filled uncontested, while no nominations were received for three seats. A total of 8,176 candidates are in the fray for the seats going to polls.
Around 6.65 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes through 1,095 polling stations, selected from a total of 1,550 identified polling stations.
Security remains a major focus ahead of polling. The Commission said 74 companies of Central Para-military Forces (CPF) have been deployed across the state, along with 8,977 personnel from the state police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR).
Another 1,500 security officers have been assigned responsibilities related to maintaining law and order and overseeing security arrangements during the polling process. Special security measures have been adopted for polling stations located in sensitive areas, where CPF personnel have been deployed.
The Commission has also completed preparations for the deployment of polling personnel. Around 7,458 polling officials have been organised into 1,243 teams, with the teams being dispatched to their respective polling stations on Sunday. Most polling teams have already reached their designated locations.
Following the completion of polling on September 28, the teams will return to the respective Returning Officer offices along with the sealed ballot boxes.
The SEC said polling personnel have undergone necessary training and have been briefed on the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that the election process is conducted smoothly and according to established guidelines.
Four different colours of ballot papers—white, light pink, light green and light blue—will be used according to the category of seats.
Preparations have also begun for the counting phase. Counting centres have been identified across the state, while the process of appointing counting supervisors and assistants is underway. The personnel assigned to counting duties will also receive training before the counting process begins. The counting of votes will take place on October 5.