Election Commission of India Two-day Visited Tripura To Review Election.

Today, in the morning of the second day of its visit to Tripura, the Election Commission of India, led by the Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sh. Anup Chandra Pandey and Sh. Arun Goel, held a review meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP and the concerned Secretaries of the Government of Tripura at State Guest House, Agartala, in connection with the forthcoming General Assembly Election 2023 in the State.

Thereafter, the Commission visited the exhibition at Ujjayanta Palace premises in which the glimpses of Tripura and the SVEEP activities undertaken across the State were  exhibited. Following that, the Commission led by the Chief Election Commissioner attended SVEEP Programme organized at the same venue and witnessed the live performance of the theme song of the General Assembly Election- 2023 – ‘Power of 18’, a live performance of Students of Tripura University in Kakborok on the theme ‘National Integrity’ and gave away EPICs to the newly enrolled electors and administered Voters’ Pledge to all, who were present. The Commission has also felicitated State PwD Icon, Senior Citizen and PwD voter.

Followed by the SVEEP programme at Ujjayanta Palace, the Commission held a Press Conference at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan, Hall No – 2 at 10.30 AM. At the outset, the Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar has briefed the media on overall assessment of the Commission on the poll preparedness of the State and urged the media to convey the appeal of the Commission to the Public to turn up in large number and to participate in the “festival of democracy” in the ensuing General Assembly Election-2023 to Tripura and be assured that Tripura will have “free, fair, transparent and inducement free election”. The Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner discussed various measures to be taken for free and fair election:-

All DEOs and SPs have been instructed to provide a level playing field for all Political Parties.

There should not be any partisan approach towards anyone.

The District Administration will ensure that facilities like ground, vehicles, etc. are provided on first come first serve basis.

There is an application called ‘SUVIDHA’ which may be used by the political parties where a digital trail is available to track the application status.

The Commission has decided that CAPF will be deployed in every polling station.

CAPF will be deployed in all the important check posts, nakas and routes which are critical.

The Observers to be deployed will be part and parcel of the deployment of CAPF and decision making to ensure neutrality.

It is the responsibility of the District Magistrates and SPs to ensure security of Candidates and Polling Agents and accordingly instruction has been given.

Copy of Electoral Rolls have been shared / will be shared with all Recognized Political Parties.

There shall be a single point at SDMs level where complaints of below the SDMs level shall be received with proper indexing and recording of complaints. Citizens may also raise complaints through c-VIGIL application with a digital trail.

All DEOs were instructed to ensure that the process of web casting shall be flawless. If any agency fails to comply then responsibility shall be fixed. Such agencies shall not be influenced by local pressure.

All the EVM warehouses should have three tier securities. The inner ring should be of CAPF, the second ring will be of Tripura State Forces and the third ring will be with local Police.

The representatives of Political parties may see, visit and guard the warehouses. But that should be video graphed.

 There will be Micro observer in every Polling Booth who is a Central Government Employee to further enhance the impartiality.

 During silence period there should not be any meeting or door to door campaign and accordingly instruction has been given to the DMs and SPs ensure it.

 All the advertisements shall be issued after getting approval from MCMC at DEOs level.

 Social Media Cell shall be formed in DEOs Office to check any fake social media news and to take action against such fake news as per applicable sections of Law and to remove such post within specified time period. Social Media Cell shall also be formed in CEOs and SPs Office.

 All the Enforcement Agencies were instructed to ensure through their Naka Points that there is no movement of drugs, liquor, cash, and freebies of any kind.

The kingpins behind such movement of drugs, liquor, cash, freebies etc. shall be identified and action shall be taken.

Banks were instructed along with RBI to inform concerned Enforcement Agency if any bulk online transaction from any account is being done.

 The movement of cash of Banks through Vehicles is strictly prohibited from 5.00 PM in the evening to 9.00 AM in the morning.

Air Intelligence Units of the Airport has been directed to watch in Airport if anything comes in this state to induce the Voters.

Afterwards, questions were invited from the media and suitably replied by the Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of all the questions.

Concluding the Press Conference, the Commission left for MBB Airport and headed for Shillong completing its two days visit to the State.

About The Author