Reported by: Mrinal Banik
Agartala: The Tripura State Election Commission has strengthened security and election monitoring arrangements ahead of the village committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, with 74 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces deployed across the state.
Two meetings were held on Wednesday to review election preparations, the law and order situation, voter security, campaign-related restrictions and monitoring of the electoral process, according to the State Election Commission.
The first meeting was held in hybrid mode and attended by the Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), district election officers-cum-district magistrates and superintendents of police from various districts.
The commission said necessary measures had been taken by the security agencies and district administration to maintain normal law and order during the campaign and ensure a level playing field for political parties and candidates.
The CRPF personnel will remain deployed before, during and after polling. Regular area domination exercises and flag marches are also being conducted in different districts under the supervision of election and police authorities, the commission said.
District magistrates, collectors and superintendents of police have been directed to maintain a peaceful environment and build confidence among voters so that they can exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
Arrangements have also been made to facilitate the timely movement of representatives of participating political parties to designated polling stations on polling day.
The commission said restrictions under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, would come into force from 4 pm on September 26 and remain in effect until 6 am on September 28.
The mandatory 48-hour silence period before the conclusion of polling will be strictly enforced, during which election campaigning and solicitation of votes will not be allowed.
The commission said election-related content capable of influencing voters would not be permitted in the polling areas through television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms or print media during the period.
Media organisations have also been advised against carrying debates, discussions, opinion polls or other content that could influence voters during the restricted period. Violations may attract penal action under the relevant laws, the commission said.
The use of microphones and loudspeakers has been restricted to between 6 am and 10 pm. District election officers have also been directed to ensure basic facilities, including drinking water, electricity and necessary furniture, at every polling station.
In a separate meeting, the State Election Commission briefed election observers appointed for the village committee polls on their duties.
The observers will monitor the electoral process, transparency and uniformity and ensure compliance with election rules before submitting reports to the commission.