Agartala, September 16: Security arrangements have been strengthened across Tripura ahead of the upcoming Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), with 74 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces deployed across the state.
The State Election Commission held two meetings on Wednesday to review election preparations, law and order, voter security, campaign restrictions and overall monitoring of the poll process. The first meeting was conducted in hybrid mode and attended by the Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), district election officers and district magistrates, and superintendents of police.
The Commission said security agencies and district administrations had taken necessary measures to maintain law and order during the campaign period and ensure a level playing field for political parties and candidates.
CRPF personnel will remain deployed before, during and after polling. Area domination exercises and flag marches are also being conducted in different districts under the supervision of election and police authorities.
District magistrates, collectors and superintendents of police have been directed to maintain a peaceful environment and build confidence among voters. The Commission has stressed the need to ensure that voters are able to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. Arrangements are also being made to facilitate the timely movement of representatives of participating political parties to their designated polling stations on polling day.
The Commission said restrictions have been imposed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The restrictions will come into effect from 4 pm on September 26 and remain in force until 6 am on September 28.
The mandatory 48-hour silence period before the close of polling will be enforced strictly. Election campaigning or solicitation of votes will not be permitted during this period. Election-related content likely to influence voters will also be prohibited within the polling areas through television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms and print media.
The Commission has also advised the media against carrying debates, discussions, opinion polls or other content during the restricted period if such coverage is likely to influence voters. Violations could invite action under the applicable laws.
The use of microphones and loudspeakers has also been restricted to the period between 6 am and 10 pm. Authorities have been asked to ensure that excessive noise does not cause inconvenience to children, senior citizens or persons with special needs.
District election officers have been directed to ensure basic facilities, including drinking water, electricity and necessary furniture, at all polling stations.
In a separate meeting, the State Election Commission briefed election observers appointed for the Village Committee polls about their responsibilities. The observers will monitor the election process in their respective areas, oversee compliance with electoral rules and help ensure transparency and uniformity in the conduct of the polls. They will submit reports on the election process in their assigned areas to the Commission.
