Agartala, April 11: The stage is fully set for the elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), scheduled to take place on Sunday under extensive security cover across the state’s tribal belt.
Voting will begin at 7 am in 1,257 polling stations spread across 28 constituencies, while counting is slated for April 17, when the results will also be declared.
Election authorities said preparations have been completed in all respects to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process. Campaigning for the high-stakes council polls concluded on Friday evening, marking the beginning of the mandatory silence period.
A total of 9,62,697 voters — including 4,82,025 men, 4,80,666 women and 6 from the third gender — are eligible to exercise their franchise. The electoral contest features 173 candidates representing major political parties such as BJP, Tipra Motha, Left Front, Congress and IPFT, making it a multi-cornered battle.
To bolster security, 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across sensitive locations. The State Election Commission stated, “Their deployment will significantly enhance security arrangements before, during, and after the poll process.”
Police and civil administrations have intensified surveillance, including area domination exercises and flag marches, to maintain law and order. Officials said elaborate arrangements are in place to instill confidence among voters and ensure a fear-free environment.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and impartial election process. “These measures are aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, thereby upholding the democratic spirit of the elections. Further to ensure that on the day of poll representatives of all polling parties remain present, it has been directed to the Returning Officers to instruct Civil and Police Sector Officers to provide necessary assistance so that they may reach the polling stations where they are assigned,” the Commission said.
Around 3,500 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), procured from the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission, have undergone all required checks and commissioning procedures. These are currently secured in strong rooms under tight vigil and are ready for use.
Postal ballot voting has also seen strong participation, with 97% ballots already cast. The remaining ballots have been dispatched to voters to maximise turnout.
Strict restrictions are in force to ensure order during the poll period. “To maintain public order and ensure smooth conduct of elections, necessary restrictions have been imposed under Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These restrictions will be in force from 4:00 PM of 10th April, 2026 until 6:00 AM of 13th April, 2026,” the Commission said.
Additionally, the 48-hour silence period guidelines are being strictly enforced. “No election-related campaigning or propaganda shall be carried out, no election matter shall be displayed, published, or telecast through television, radio, cable networks, social media, or any electronic or print medium within the polling areas,” the Commission added, warning that violations will invite legal action.
Polling personnel began moving to their designated stations from Saturday morning under security escort, with deployment expected to be completed by the evening. Authorities have ensured basic facilities at all polling stations for both voters and election staff.