Agartala, September 16: The countdown to Tripura’s Village Committee elections has prompted the State Election Commission to put security, voter access and campaign regulations under close watch, with 74 companies of the CRPF deployed across the state.
The Central Reserve Police Force personnel will be deployed before polling, remain present during voting and continue security duties after the elections. Area domination exercises and flag marches have already been undertaken in sensitive areas as part of the security arrangements.
The Commission held two meetings on Wednesday to assess the preparations for the polls under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The key meeting was conducted in hybrid mode and brought together the Director General of Police, IG (Law & Order), District Magistrates, District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police. Security deployment, voter safety, campaign restrictions and election monitoring arrangements were reviewed during the meeting.
District administrations and security agencies have been directed to ensure that candidates and political parties get equal opportunity during the campaign while maintaining law and order.
The authorities have also been instructed to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation, fear or obstruction. Special arrangements will be made to facilitate the movement of authorised representatives of candidates and political parties to polling stations on election day.
The Commission has set 4 pm on September 26 to 6 am on September 28 as the period during which specified provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, will be enforced.
A mandatory 48-hour silence period will be in effect during these hours. Campaigning and electioneering will be prohibited, while material capable of influencing voters will be restricted across television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms and print media in the polling areas.
Media organisations have been advised not to broadcast debates, discussions, opinion polls or other content that could influence voters during the silence period. Violations will be subject to action under the relevant laws.
Loudspeaker use has also been regulated, with operation permitted only between 6 am and 10 pm. The Commission said the restriction was intended to reduce inconvenience to children, senior citizens and persons with special needs.
Meanwhile, district authorities have been instructed to ensure that polling stations are equipped with basic facilities, including drinking water, electricity and adequate furniture.
Election observers appointed for the Village Committee polls were also briefed separately on Wednesday. They will monitor the electoral process in their assigned areas, ensure compliance with election rules and oversee impartial conduct.
The observers are required to submit detailed reports to the State Election Commission after polling, officials said.
