Agartala, September 16: The State Election Commission has directed district authorities to ensure foolproof arrangements at polling stations and provide a secure environment for voters as Tripura gears up for the Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
As part of the preparations, authorities have been asked to ensure drinking water, electricity and adequate furniture at every polling station. Arrangements will also be made for the authorised representatives of candidates and political parties to reach their respective polling stations on election day.
The Commission has directed the district administration and security agencies to ensure that voters face no fear, intimidation or obstruction while exercising their franchise. Equal opportunity for all candidates and political parties during campaigning has also been emphasised.
Security arrangements have been strengthened with 74 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed across Tripura. The central forces will remain on duty before, during and after polling, while area domination exercises and flag marches have begun in sensitive areas.
The preparations were reviewed at two meetings convened by the State Election Commission on Wednesday. The main meeting was held in hybrid mode and attended by the Director General of Police, IG (Law & Order), District Magistrates, District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police.
Officials discussed the security plan, voter safety, campaign restrictions and systems for monitoring the electoral process.
The Commission has also fixed the period for enforcing restrictions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The provisions will come into force from 4 pm on September 26 and remain effective until 6 am on September 28.
A 48-hour silence period will be observed during this period, with all campaigning and electioneering prohibited. Content that could influence voters will also face restrictions across television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms and print media in polling areas.
The Commission has advised media organisations against carrying debates, discussions, opinion polls or other material that may influence voters during the silence period. Violations will attract action under the relevant legal provisions.
The use of loudspeakers has meanwhile been restricted to between 6 am and 10 pm. The Commission said the measure was aimed at reducing inconvenience to children, senior citizens and persons with special needs.
In a separate exercise, election observers appointed for the Village Committee polls were briefed on their responsibilities. They will oversee the electoral process in their assigned areas, monitor adherence to election rules and ensure impartial conduct.
The observers will submit detailed reports to the State Election Commission after polling, officials said.
