As the electoral machinery sets into motion, Northeast India braces itself for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to commence on April 19 across the region. The issuance of notifications for the first phase, encompassing 15 parliamentary seats across eight northeastern states, marks the initiation of the nomination process.
Fifteen parliamentary constituencies spread across eight northeastern states are gearing up for the electoral battle, with Outer Manipur witnessing polling in two phases – on April 19 and April 26. Concurrently, notifications have been released for the assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, marking the commencement of the nomination process.
Under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, the deadline for filing nomination papers for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is March 27, followed by scrutiny on the subsequent day. The window for withdrawing nominations closes on March 30, paving the way for a decisive electoral contest.
In a meticulously planned schedule, the counting of votes for the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly polls is slated for June 2, while the Lok Sabha results will be unveiled on June 4. The electoral landscape comprises diverse constituencies, with Assam leading with five Lok Sabha seats, followed by two each in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Manipur, among others.
The electoral process unfolds in multiple phases, with the second phase scheduled for April 26 encompassing five seats in Assam, alongside crucial constituencies in Tripura and Outer Manipur. The remaining four seats in Assam will witness polling in the third phase on May 7, completing the electoral cycle.
Emphasizing the importance of security, election officials have deployed significant contingents of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) across poll-bound districts. Complementing their efforts, state security forces are actively engaged in election-related duties, ensuring regular patrols in sensitive and border areas to bolster confidence among voters.
In light of the region’s strategic geographical positioning, special attention is directed towards safeguarding the extensive international borders shared by the northeastern states. Stringent vigilance is maintained along the borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, spanning a combined length of thousands of kilometers. These measures aim to thwart any potential cross-border illegal activities, infiltration attempts, or disruptive endeavors in the lead-up to the elections.
In reflecting on past electoral trends, the 2019 parliamentary elections witnessed a three-phase polling process across the region. Notably, seven Lok Sabha seats are reserved for tribal communities, with an additional seat allocated for the Scheduled Castes.
