Kohima, 20 March (MTNews): Following the announcement of General Election to the 18th Lok Sabha 2024, Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, Vyasan R said today that all preparatory measures are in place to ensure a free and fair poll in Nagaland.
Addressing a meeting with media personnel at Commissioner’s Office Kohima on 20 March, Vyasan informed that over 16,000 polling personnel will be involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the parliamentary Elections in Nagaland. He urged media personnel to encourage voters, especially first-time voters, to cast their votes and ensure maximum voters turn out.
Vyasan said that a special summary revision of the electoral roll was completed and the final draft published on 10 January, except for the 43 Tapi Assembly Constituency where a by-election was due. He added that additions to the electoral roll are ongoing through Form Number 6. He said the last date for entry and exit of electorates from the electoral roll would be 27 March.
Vyasan R said there are over 2 lakh voters in the age group of 20 to 29 years, while over 17000 voters are registered under 80 plus category and 19,000 are first time voters. The CEO informed that polling will be held across 2342 polling stations, out of which, 750 odd polling stations have been identified as critical or vulnerable, which is dynamic. Out of 13.17 lakh electorates in the state, female voters constitute 6.60 lakhs and 6.56 lakhs voters are male.
Vyasan said despite difficulties faced due to rough terrains in some districts, the state election department is making all necessary arrangements to provide assured minimum facilities such as drinking water, electricity, ramps for Persons with Disabilities in all polling stations.
Commissioner & Returning Officer Nagaland, Sushil Kumar Patel, emphasized the significance of all stakeholders and the media in carrying out the responsibility of the Election process. He highlighted the media as a key ally of the Election Commission, informing the public about the ECI’s mandate and operations, and educating voters about democracy and elections.
State Police Nodal Officer, Limasunep, IPS assured that full security measures are in place and will be further enforced according to different situations, adding that all security measures are put in place for smooth conduct of the election. He mentioned that several companies of central forces have arrived in Nagaland to assist the state police force in various election-related duties, including providing security, area domination, setting up check posts, and searching vehicles to enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
He said that five companies of BSF have already arrived in the state and deployed at Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha and Mokokchung to carry out pre-poll duties. He said additional 43 companies of CAPF would be arriving in the next few days, Jamir also informed that the state would be deploying police personnel from NAP, IRB and Home Guards.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Awa Lorin, affirmed that the entire election process is proceeding smoothly and appealed to media houses to disseminate information for free and fair elections.
Hotline for queries/ complaint redressal
Commissioner Nagaland and Returning Officer of the Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency have informed that it is open to receive queries and complaints related to the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024. Concerned citizens can contact the office via phone at 7629859582.
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