Agartala, May 9: The State Election Commission (SEC) has issued a detailed notification outlining the schedule and procedure for the preparation and finalisation of polling stations for the forthcoming general elections to the Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
According to the notification issued by SEC Secretary Anurag Sen, Returning Officers, who are the Block Development Officers (BDOs), have been directed to prepare the list of polling stations in accordance with Rule 10 of the TTAADC Village Committees (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1996.
As per the election schedule, the draft publication of polling stations will take place on May 11. The SEC has invited claims and objections regarding the proposed polling stations, which can be submitted up to May 15. The commission stated that all objections and claims would be examined and disposed of on May 16, following which the final list of polling stations will be officially published on May 18.
The SEC directed all Returning Officers to prepare polling station lists block-wise, covering all Village Constituencies under their respective jurisdictions. The commission also laid down specific instructions regarding the numbering of polling stations.
“The serial number of the Polling Stations should be given from the North-West corner to South-East Corner taking together all Village Committees under the Block,” the notification stated.
The commission further instructed officials to prepare the draft list in the prescribed format and ensure that copies are supplied to local units of all recognised political parties to maintain transparency in the electoral process.
In addition, notices regarding the draft publication of polling stations are to be displayed prominently at the offices of Returning Officers and Village Committees to facilitate public inspection and participation.
The SEC stated that the final publication of polling stations would be carried out only after disposal of all claims and objections and after consultations with political parties.
The notification comes ahead of the next general elections to the Village Committees under the TTAADC, which governs the tribal-administered areas of Tripura. The exercise is considered an important step in ensuring smooth and transparent conduct of the grassroots electoral process in the autonomous district council areas.
