Over 300 people opted for voting through postal ballots in the Assembly bypolls: CEO

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 26, 2021

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor on Tuesday said advanced preparations are on in full swing for the bye elections to the three Assembly seats – Mawryngkneng, Mawphlang and Rajabala, slated to be held on October 30.

Kharkongor informed that he inspected polling stations in Mawphlang constituency, including vulnerable and model polling stations.

He said in one of the polling stations, a pregnant BLO was replaced in view of her condition and staggered entry was advised in other polling stations in view of COVID-19 protocols.

Triangle of safety was explained to all stakeholders – safety of voters, safety of polling officials & safety of polling process besides staggered entry into polling stations, use of advanced  M3 EVMs machines was also explained

When asked, the CEO said that the cases regarding violation of model code of conduct (MCC) as well as violation of COVID-19 protocols are being taken cognisance of.

“Show cause notices, FIR, restraining orders are being issued by ROs and DEOs in all such cases in all poll going Assembly Constituencies (ACs),” he said.

On the other hand, Kharkonogr informed that over 300 senior citizens have opted for voting through 12 D postal ballots in all three poll going ACs.

To a query, he said 17 auxiliary polling stations in Rajabala, 7 in Mawryngkneng have been created to ensure that voters do not exceed 1000 now in view of COVID-19 protocols.

Rajabala has the highest number of 29 ‘vulnerable’ polling stations followed by Mawphlang with 10 and Mawryngkneng with 8.  

Meanwhile, the CEO informed that 4 companies of CAPF, Home Guards & State police are being deployed as part of security arrangements.