East Siang gears up for simultaneous elections
Our Correspondent
Itanagar: The East Siang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has geared up for the smooth conduct of the simultaneous Parliamentary and Assembly polls scheduled for April 11.
While reviewing the preparations for the polls, DC-cum-district electoral officer (DEO) Dr Kinny Singh on Friday said Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) would be introduced this time, an official communique informed. “To ensure transparency and clarity, a slip would be generated in the system which would appear on the screen for seven seconds for the verification by the voter and then it would enter inside a sealed chamber of the machine automatically in printed forms”, she added. Dr Singh informed that out of 51, 929 eligible voters, 25328 are male while the rest 2660 are female voters. She said she had been visiting personally all 108 polling booths ensuring that all required facilities are in place.
In the wake of promulgation of model code of conduct, numerous orders have been issued by the DEO to the concerned officers to strictly comply ECI guidelines and ensure that posters, banners and flags are not put up on unauthorized structures on public places besides intensifying check on use of liquor, money and muscle power by political parties in the election.
Wine shop opening and closing timing has been restricted from 9 am to 5 pm. Dry days has been declared on April 9, 10 and 11 and May 22, 23 and 24.
MCMC has been constituted for media certification, paid advertisement etc. The entire election process in the district is being closely monitored by the DEO and App-based services like “cVigil”, voter helpline 1059, etc., has also been arranged by the district administration for the ensuing polls.
Expenditure by political party and leaders are under scanner, she said.
Through ‘cVigil’ App, anyone finds violation of model code of conduct or any oddities, can directly upload video-clipping enabling to take prompt action by the Returning Officer concerned.
Dr Singh appealed to the voters to exercise their rights fearlessly on April 11. Singh while informing that the district is fully prepared to hold the simultaneous polls stated that “Voting is morally significant and we have to perform it dutifully”.
Meanwhile, SP Prashant Gautam appealed to the voters to come forward and exercise their right and further assured to provide all assistance to people who are coming to their respective booths to cast votes on polling date.
Gautam added that security forces are on their toes to prevent any untoward incident during the election time.
Also read: Arunachal News
