Enhanced Security Measures in Place for Legislative Council Polls
Mangaluru, Oct 19, 2024: A total of 53 sensitive polling stations have been identified for the Legislative Council by-election in the Dakshina Kannada Local Authorities’ constituency, informed Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Mullai Muhilan M.P.
The sensitive polling stations will be under complete video surveillance, and additional police forces will be deployed to ensure security. Micro-observers have been appointed for polling stations with more than 20 voters. CCTV cameras installed in village panchayats and urban local bodies are being utilized to monitor the election process, Muhilan added.
The Dakshina Kannada Local Authorities’ constituency comprises a total of 392 polling stations with 6,032 eligible voters. Of these, 3,552 voters are from Dakshina Kannada district, while 2,480 are from Udupi district.
Voters are required to cast their votes by marking their preferences on the ballot paper using the violet pen provided by the polling booth presiding officer. The first preference should be marked as “1” in English, Kannada, or Roman numerals. Preferences must be marked using numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.), and writing out numbers in words is not permitted. Ballot papers marked with any other instrument or pen will be considered invalid.
All voters have already been briefed on the voting procedure. Carrying mobile phones inside the polling station is strictly prohibited, Muhilan stated.
In Dakshina Kannada district, 3,263 members from 223 gram panchayats, 65 members from the Mangaluru City Corporation, 64 from two town councils, 74 from three town municipalities, and 86 from five town panchayats are eligible to vote. In Udupi district, 2,355 members from 153 gram panchayats, 36 from Udupi town council, 72 from three town municipalities, and 17 from one town panchayat are eligible to vote.
A total of 470 polling officials, assistant polling officials, and micro-observers will be deployed across the 392 polling stations. The counting of votes will take place at St. Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru, on October 24.
Regarding security, 540 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Dakshina Kannada under the supervision of the district’s Superintendent of Police and the Police Commissioner. In Udupi district, 328 police officers and personnel will be deployed. Additionally, a 100-meter perimeter around polling stations will be regulated, prohibiting any trade, gatherings, or public congregation. Section 163 orders will be issued for polling station areas to enforce these regulations, DC stated.
