Campaigning for the Khasi Jaintia Hills Autonomous district council elections came to a halt today evening, 48 hours before the two regions go to polls on February 21, leading to the imposition of security restrictions.
All the district magistrates in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills have passed necessary orders under section 163 BNSS prohibiting of unlawful assemblies and holding of public meetings or any activities during the period.
Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang assured that preparations are in place across both regions, with adequate security deployed, particularly in sensitive and border areas near Assam and Bangladesh.
He said security forces have been redeployed from the Garo Hills to ensure smooth conduct, and polling parties are already in transit, with 80 per cent set to leave by Thursday.
“We are satisfied with the arrangements, and so far, everything is proceeding as planned. We hope for a peaceful election,” Wahlang stated, urging voters to turn out on Friday.
Unlike elections under the Election Commission of India, the District Council polls do not have special provisions for differently-abled or elderly voters. Status quo has been maintained as per existing rules.
Addressing concerns about candidate movement in border areas, Wahlang confirmed communication with Assam’s chief secretary, who assured full cooperation. Some polling teams will pass through Assam, and no disruptions are anticipated, he said.
Observers and checkpoints have been set up, though the election remains low-profile compared to the assembly or MP elections. So far, no significant cash or alcohol seizures have been reported. Most canvassing has taken place through common platforms.
On election day, 10 general observers will oversee proceedings. . There are approximately 110 sensitive polling stations in Khasi Hills and 95 in Jaintia Hills. Khasi Hills has a total of 1,669 polling stations, while Jaintia Hills has 477.
The largest constituency in Khasi Hills is Mawlai, with 49,841 voters—26,998 female and 22,843 male. The smallest is Jaiaw, with 17,148 voters.
In Jaintia Hills, the largest polling station is Muthlong-Sohkymphor, with 14,167 voters, while the smallest is Sumer, with 8,305.
There are 158 candidates for the KHADC seats and 114 for the JHADC. They will be chasing the votes of 13,08,818 eligible voters, with 9,96,518 voters under the KHADC (including 5,15,247 females, 4,81,268 males and three third gender individuals) and 3,12,300 voters under the JHADC (comprising 1,61,220 females, 1,51,079 males and one third gender voter).
