16, 235 voters to exercise franchise on July 29
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 27
Altogether, 16, 235 voters will be exercising their franchise for the by-election to the 10th Northern Angami –1 Assembly Constituency on July 29. The polling will start from 7:00am in the morning till 4:00pm in the evening at 25 polling stations.
Out of 16, 235 voters, 7697 are male and 8538 are female. The service electors consist of 28 (25 male/3 female) persons.
This was disclosed by Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha (IAS) in a press conference here today. Two candidates—Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu (NPF) and Kekhrie Yhome (Independent) are in the fray for this poll.
EVM, VVPAT machines to be used
The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) including Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used in this poll. VVPAT was used during last assembly election in Noksen and this will be the second time of its usage.
Sinha informed voters that despite having their names in the electoral roll, they would have to produce the identification document, i.e Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). In case any person is unable to produce EPIC, the Election Commission by an order has allowed another 12 alternative photo identity documents which he/she may produce at the time of poll.
Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall have to produce one of the following alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. They include passport, driving licence, service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State government PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks with photograph issued by bank/post office, PAN card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, MNREGA job card, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour, pension document with photograph, authenticated photo voter slip issued by election machinery; and official identity cards issued to MPS/MLAs/MLCs and Aadhaar Card.
Micro observers
Sinha said that all the polling stations will have micro observers from the central government, who will scrutinize and look at all the process which are going on at the polling stations and make record. This will be done for cross checking in case there is any complaint.
“We are also putting photographers in all the polling stations, including fixed cameras which will be connected to the web, he said.
Security arrangement for polls
Sinha said that adequate security forces will be deputed in every polling station to ensure peaceful conduct of election in every polling station.
He informed that the Kohima Deputy Commissioner & Returning Officer have already classified the polling stations to ensure that everything will go on smoothly.
Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soundararajan in a separate press conference said that adequate security arrangement has been put in place so voters should not have fear or have any apprehension to exercise their franchise.
He said polling parties have been formed already and all polling materials are ready for dispatch.
Kohima Sr. Superintendent of Police Joseph Hesso said that for poll day, inner security will be totally manned by Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) and the civil police forces will help in making proper lines for voters to cast their votes. Security for polling officials including EVMs will also be totally manned by them, he said.
Outer security will be manned by the state police forces, he said adding that they will also be conducting checking at the different locations.
“We will try our best to see that there is free atmosphere so that voters can come and exercise their franchise,” he said. 17 polling stations are categorized as “critical” and others are normal.
Canvassing in all forms end
Sinha said that exit polls are prohibited till the polling is over. He also stated that canvassing in all forms including in the print and electronic media will be prohibited 48 hours prior to the polling which comes into effect from 4:00 PM today (July 27).
Clean election assured
Additional CEO, N Moa Aier said that in Nagaland, Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Campaign was carried out with strong support of the NBCC for a clean election process. He also stated that the Kohima Village Council and Kohima Village Youth organisation have assured to help in ensuring a clean election. He meanwhile informed general public to dial their control Room number 1950 for any complaint or grievances.
Vote counting on August 3
The Kohima DC meanwhile informed that counting of votes for this by-election will take place on August 3 from 8:00am onwards at the DC Office.
