Northeast Desk, 18th April: Mizoram is gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 19, 2024, with preparations reaching their concluding phase.
Out of the 1,276 polling stations set up across Mizoram, 168 are categorized as P-2 Polling Stations, located in far-flung or remote areas. The polling parties assigned to these stations have already departed for their duties.
Today, the polling parties for the remaining 1,108 P-1 Polling Stations will commence their journey to their designated locations. A total of 5,071 polling officials have been assigned for election day.
Mizoram boasts a voter population of 8,56,364, including 4,14,805 male voters and 4,41,559 female voters. Notably, there are 4,963 Service voters, 4,741 voters aged 85 and above, 3,396 PwD voters, and 36,370 young voters aged 18-19.
The state comprises 751 Rural Polling Stations and 525 Urban Polling Stations, with an average of 671 voters per polling station. Webcasting will monitor proceedings in 765 polling stations to ensure transparency.
Mizoram has identified 14 Vulnerable Polling Stations, 5 Critical Polling Stations, 11 Polling Stations accessible only on foot, and 15 Polling Stations accessible solely through waterways.
Various initiatives have been implemented to facilitate voting, including 25 Model Polling Stations, 4 Auxiliary Polling Stations, 136 All Women Managed Polling Stations, and 7 All Youth Managed Polling Stations.
Strong rooms have been established in every district for EVM storage post-election, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state personnel deployed for security.
Law and order maintenance will be overseen by 3,553 State Police personnel and CAPF Company, supported by Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams, and Check Posts.
A total of 6 candidates, representing various political parties, will contest the Lok Sabha elections, with preparations made for counting votes on June 4, 2024.
Special provisions have been made for voters above the age of 85 and PwD voters, who were facilitated through home voting between April 5 to April 15, 2024.
The Election Commission has established communication channels for complaints or queries, including a call center in every district and a toll-free helpline.
Mizoram encourages all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process, urging cooperation for an inclusive, peaceful, and fair election.
Polling will commence at 7:00 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM on April 19, 2024, declared a public holiday. Additionally, the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited, with a 48-hour silence period enforced prior to the polls.