Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Dakshina Kannada constituency, the administration has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct and adherence to electoral protocols.
Preparedness Overview
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer, M.P. Mullai Muhilan, announced detailed preparations for the elections. This includes webcasting at 938 locations, deployment of central armed police forces personnel at 132 sites, and posting micro observers at 200 out of 1,876 polling stations.
Important Dates and Procedures
The 48-hour silence period commenced from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, signaling the end of public canvassing. Polling is scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.
Identification and Prohibitions
Mobile phones and cordless phones are prohibited inside polling stations, except for on-duty polling officers. Voters are advised to keep these devices in their vehicles or at home. Voter Information Slips have been distributed to facilitate identification, though they are not mandatory. Voters can present any of the 12 declared identity proofs.
Equipment and Logistics
Adequate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been arranged, with additional units held in reserve. Vehicles transporting these units are fitted with GPS for safety. Sector officers will travel with reserve units to replace any malfunctioning units before polling commences.
Health and Safety Measures
Arrangements for health workers and drinking water have been made at each polling station to combat the heat. Additionally, 28 ambulances will be stationed across the constituency.
Special Stations and Deployment
The constituency boasts 40 Sakhi stations managed by women personnel, eight each managed by differently-abled individuals, youth, and traditional polling stations. A total of 11,255 personnel will be deployed for polling duty.
Key Personnel Present
During the announcement, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, Zilla Panchayat CEO K. Anandh, Superintendent of Police C.B. Ryshyanth, and other officials were present, emphasizing the collaborative effort in ensuring a successful electoral process.
These meticulous arrangements reflect the commitment of the administration towards conducting fair and efficient elections in the Dakshina Kannada constituency.
