Are Election Authorities Prepared for the Bypoll in Mizoram's Dampa Assembly Seat?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Poll preparation: Election officials ready for voting.
- Security measures: CAPF deployed for law enforcement.
- Candidate race: Five parties competing for the seat.
- Electoral participation: Over 20,000 voters eligible.
- Vote counting: Scheduled for November 14.
Aizawl, Nov 10 (NationPress) Election officials are fully prepared to conduct the bye-election for the Dampa Assembly constituency in Mizoram this Tuesday. Polling staff, along with security personnel, have successfully reached all 41 voting stations within the Mamit district, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
An election representative noted that the month-long rigorous campaigning by various political parties concluded on Sunday without any incidents.
State leaders from multiple parties, including BJP leaders and Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary and Minority Affairs) and Jitendra Singh (Science and Technology and Earth Sciences), traveled to Mizoram to support their party candidates.
Prior to the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on October 6, both ruling and opposition parties had already declared their candidates and initiated their campaigns in this politically vital constituency.
This Assembly segment, which shares an unfenced border with Bangladesh, is home to a considerable minority population, including the Chakma and Reang tribal communities.
Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel have been stationed at polling locations and surrounding border areas to ensure law and order.
The official indicated that voting will commence at 7 a.m. on Tuesday and will proceed continuously until 4 p.m.
The Dampa Assembly seat in Mizoram's Mamit district became vacant following the passing of Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
This bye-election will feature a five-way contest, with the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) nominating Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova, while the opposition MNF has chosen its Vice-President and former Health Minister R. Lalthangliana.
The Congress has fielded its State Vice-President and former Transport Minister John Rotluangliana, while the BJP has nominated Lalhmingthanga.
The People’s Conference, led by former Chief Minister Brigadier T. Sailo, has put forward its Vice-President K. Zahmingthanga.
The Mizoram Election Department stated that all presiding officers, polling personnel, sector officers, and security forces involved in the Dampa (Scheduled Tribe reserved) Assembly constituency bye-election have been instructed to stay vigilant and ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.
They have also been directed to take swift and appropriate action in the event of any breaches of election regulations or misconduct during the polling process, as mentioned in the statement.
Robust security measures have been implemented for the bye-election under the oversight of state police nodal officer H. Ramthlengliana, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters and Law & Order).
According to the final electoral rolls released on September 30, a total of 20,790 voters, including 10,185 women, are eligible to vote. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14.