Agartala, Nov 6:The Tripura State Election Commission has deployed 33 election observers across the state to oversee the upcoming urban local body elections, with their responsibilities covering all stages of the electoral process, from scrutiny of nomination papers to counting of votes, State Election Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty said on Friday.
The observers were briefed at a meeting held at the State Guest House before being dispatched to their respective jurisdictions. They were apprised of their duties, reporting responsibilities and procedures to be followed during different stages of the elections, he said.
Chakraborty said the observers would remain present during the scrutiny of nomination papers, monitor field-level developments, interact with Returning Officers, visit polling stations and submit reports to the Commission at regular intervals.
Their reports would cover nomination scrutiny, withdrawal of candidature, polling, counting and other significant developments requiring the Commission’s attention, he said.
Describing their role as crucial to maintaining transparency, the SEC said the observers would function as the Commission’s eyes and ears on the ground.
They would independently monitor proceedings, document violations of electoral norms and report incidents of violence or irregularities. However, they would not have the authority to issue directions to Returning Officers and would be required to maintain political neutrality, he said.
The observers would continue their duties until the completion of counting. Their reports could also be considered while assessing the need for repolling in any area, Chakraborty added.
Addressing allegations concerning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), he said their deployment for the civic elections was in accordance with existing legal provisions and electoral rules.
He pointed out that this was the third occasion on which EVMs were being used for municipal elections in Tripura and maintained that the Commission had followed the prescribed procedures.
Rejecting opposition allegations that candidates were prevented from filing nominations in areas such as Mohanpur, Chakraborty said the Commission had received complaints both verbally and in writing, but information obtained from electoral authorities did not substantiate the claims.
He said he had remained in regular contact with Returning Officers and District Municipal Election Officers over the past several days, but none had reported any incident of candidates being obstructed during the nomination process.
Elaborate security arrangements had been made around Returning Officers’ offices and along routes leading to nomination centres to ensure that candidates from all political parties could submit their papers without difficulty, he said.
The SEC reiterated that the Commission was committed to providing equal opportunities to all political parties and ensuring a transparent and peaceful electoral process.
