Northeast Desk, 17th March: Ahead of the Sikkim State Assembly elections, officials have identified 78 critical booths, including the highest altitude venue, Thegu polling booth near the Indo-China border. In a press conference held in Gangtok, D. Anandan, the Chief Election Commissioner of Sikkim, unveiled strategies aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in the upcoming polls slated for 2024.
Key Points:
- Responsible Spending: Anandan emphasized responsible spending among candidates, advocating for stringent cost-cutting measures and uniformity in campaign rates to curb extravagance and ensure a level playing field.
- Security Measures: Anandan detailed a three-tier security system involving Central Armed Police Force personnel and state police authorities to safeguard electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other electoral materials, enhancing voter confidence in the integrity of the electoral infrastructure.
- Postal Ballots: Eligibility criteria for postal ballots were elucidated, including provisions for voters on election duty, service voters, and individuals above 85 years of age or with disabilities. Optional home voting facilities will be introduced to facilitate the participation of eligible voters unable to visit polling stations.
- Observer Deployment: Anandan announced the deployment of general, police, and expenditure observers to enhance transparency and oversight. Technological advancements will streamline candidate permissions and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Facilitation Centers and Voter Awareness: Facilitation centers will be established to aid in the seamless casting of postal ballots, complemented by extensive voter awareness initiatives to ensure citizens are well-informed about the electoral process.
- Security Assurance: Robust security arrangements will be in place across critical and vulnerable polling stations to uphold democratic values and maintain law and order during the elections.
Additionally, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a change in the date of counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly elections from June 4 to June 2, aligning with constitutional obligations to complete elections before the expiration of assembly terms.
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