Nagaland CEO confident of upholding electoral integrity in LS polls

KOHIMA — Vyasan R, the state Chief Election Officer (CEO), has listed measures that have been put in place to ensure smooth and fair proceedings for the Lok Sabha election, which is scheduled for April 19 in Nagaland.

This includes implementing 50% live webcasting, offline videography at select polling stations, deployment of sector magistrates and conducting media campaigns to educate the public about punishable offences. Election observers have also been deployed to ensure overall vigilance.

“We anticipate successfully delivering our commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” Vyasan told Eastern Mirror at his office in Kohima on Tuesday.

Security arrangements

It was informed that 48 companies from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed for the election. The CEO noted that state police personnel, village guards, and home guards will also be utilised to oversee the activities related to the election.

He informed that 210 persons with disabilities (PWDs) have opted for voting from home, and 81 of them have cast their votes as of April 15. Additionally, 790 individuals above 85 years of age have opted for home voting, with 506 of them having already voted.

Regarding the measures implemented to ensure the safety and security of voters and polling officials during the elections, the official explained that the presiding officer, who holds magistrate powers at certain polling stations, will take action, including making arrests if there are any election malpractices.

He also said that, in addition to the presiding officer, there are sector magistrates and sector commanders responsible for overseeing various polling stations in their respective sectors. Before polling begins, these individuals will maintain vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents on polling day.

Logistical preparedness

A total of 2,342 polling stations have been established, Vyasan informed, with a primary focus on ensuring that voters can cast their ballots at their designated stations effortlessly.

To facilitate this, provisions such as drinking water facilities and resting areas are being arranged. Further, directional signage is being set up to guide voters effectively.

He also mentioned the placement of posters detailing do’s and don’ts within the polling stations. It was informed that facilities such as wheelchairs for people with disabilities are being arranged at the polling stations.

For the election, Vyasan said that Kohima has requisitioned government vehicles for Phek, Kiphire and Wokha districts. Similarly, Chümoukedima has requisitioned vehicles for Peren district, and Dimapur for Mon district.

With the vehicle requisition completed, the necessary training related to elections is almost concluded, with the last round of training scheduled until Wednesday. It was also informed that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been commissioned.

Further, he said that about 513 polling stations will be exclusively manned by women and an all-women team comprising presiding officers, polling officers, and additional staff will oversee the voting process.

Vyasan emphasised that the Lok Sabha elections will resemble a “festival of democracy,” highlighting the ECI’s call for widespread participation in the voting process.

In Nagaland, there are 1,317,536 voters, comprising 660,807 females and 656,729 males.