Shillong: With anticipation of a notable surge in voter turnout compared to previous elections, Meghalaya’s Election Department is gearing up for increased participation driven by heightened enthusiasm and extensive campaign activities.
Despite the 71.42 percent total voter turnout in 2019, the department is optimistic about an increase this year.
The department has been vigilant regarding legal matters, with a notable increase in the number of cases or Person Bound Down under various sections of the CrPC, totaling to 1,938.
Additionally, three FIRs have been filed for poll-related campaigns till April 11. The status regarding Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWA) revealed that as of April 11, 252 warrants were received, out of which 110 have been executed, while 142 are pending and 65 returned to court.
Financial vigilance has also been a priority, with total seizures amounting to Rs 43.13 crore recorded both before and after the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The department has effectively resolved seven C-Vigil cases.
“All required arrangements have been made even keeping in consideration of the weather conditions. Around 30 to 35,000 people will be involved in this election in the state, and they would be in different capacities including the reserved personnel and security personnel,” Chief Electoral Officer, BDR Tiwari said on Tuesday.
Addressing concerns regarding school children participating in political campaigns, Tiwari stated that the matter has been acknowledged, and reports have been requested from the respective District Election Officer (DEO).
“It is not that there has been a very huge jump in the number of cases since Meghalaya is known for its peaceful and coercive Elections hopefully it will be the same this time as well,” the CEO said.
The election department has undertaken numerous workshops and awareness programs to educate voters about their rights and the importance of voting. Tiwari urged all eligible voters to exercise their franchise on April 19.
The total Electors in the state are 22,26,567 (Male-10,99,517, Female-11,27,047, Third Gender – 3). According to the CEO, there is an increase of 51,331 from the MLA 2023 Elections (21,75,236) and 3,15,195 from the LS 2019 Elections (19,11,372).
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The state comprises a total of 3512 polling stations, with 2288 in Shillong and 1224 in Tura. Of these, 326 are urban polling stations, and 3186 are rural. Notably, 477 polling stations are identified as vulnerable, with 29 categorized as raw critical. Furthermore, there are 187 polling stations bordering Assam and 140 bordering Bangladesh, with 128 polling parties designated to reach these locations via Assam.
Tiwari further appealled to all voters, urging them to come forward and cast their votes to strengthen democracy. He emphasised the significance of every vote, aiming to ensure no voter is left behind in Meghalaya’s democratic process.
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