Stage set for Pipili by-poll on Sept 30

Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) is all geared up to conduct the much-awaited Pipili by-poll on September 30 with the leaders and campaigners observing ‘silence period’ since last evening (72 hours).

At a Presser, State Election Commissioner Sushil Lohani today said the by-poll will be held in adherence to all COVID-19 protocols. The constituency has total 2,29,998 voters while polling will be held at total 348 booths. And, 201 of the total polling booths have been identified as sensitive. Micro Observers or central forces will be deployed in the region for the by-poll.

“CCTV cameras will be installed at the sensitive booths. Besides, 2000 police personnel will be deployed in the area to ensure smooth conduct of the election. All poll agents to be deployed at booths have to be fully vaccinated against the virus.  This apart, 423 vehicles have been hired for transportation of 2200 polling staff. Besides, 348 VVPAT machines and 924 postal ballots will be used in the election. Around 1000 people can cast their vote at each booth,” Lohani said.

Efforts will be made to ensure that COVID Appropriate Behaviour is maintained by all concerned during the election, he added.

Besides Voter ID , people can show 11 other ID proofs to cast their vote at the polling centres. All voters will undergo thermal screening and be provided with hand gloves at the centres. Those with high body temperature will get token to cast their vote during the last one hours, he further said.

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Lohani added that three complaints regarding violation of model code of conduct are being investigated and the officials concerned have been asked to take action accordingly.