With just five days left for the Assembly by-elections in Mawryngkneng, Mawphlang and Rajabala, advanced preparations are in full swing by election officials.
The Election Commission has identified 47 polling stations as vulnerable in these three constituencies.
According to Chief Electoral Officer, Frederick Roy Kharkongor, there are eight vulnerable polling stations in Mawryngkneng, ten in Mawphlang and 29 in Rajabala.
Today, Kharkongor inspected the polling stations in Mawphlang including vulnerable polling booths and model polling stations.
In one polling station, a pregnant Booth Level Officer (BLO) was replaced in view of her condition.
Kharkongor also advised staggered entry in other polling stations in view of the Covid protocols.
“Safety measures were explained to all stakeholders for the health safety of voters, polling officials and smooth polling process,” he said.
Besides staggered entry into polling stations, use of advanced M3 voting machines was also explained to the polling officials.
He also informed that due to the Covid protocols as many as 17 auxiliary polling stations have been created in Rajabala and seven in Mawryngkneng to ensure that voters do not exceed 1000.
“Cases under the model code of conduct especially relating to violation of Covid protocols are being taken cognizance of. Show cause notices, FIR, restraining orders are being issued by the Returning Officers and District Election Officers in all such cases in all three constituencies,” Kharkongor said.
Kharkongor also said that four companies of central paramilitary forces besides Home Guards and State police personnel are being deployed as part of security arrangements for the by-elections.
Voting for the by-polls will take place on October 30 and the results will be announced on November 2.
