Tripura administration begins the first phase of training for 2,900 polling personnel ahead of November 27 municipal elections. Officials receive theoretical and practical training on EVM operations, mock polling and election procedures to ensure free, fair and transparent voting.
Preparations for the upcoming Tripura municipal elections have gathered momentum, with the administration launching the first phase of training for 2,900 polling personnel on Thursday to ensure the smooth, peaceful and transparent conduct of voting scheduled for November 27.
The initial training programme is being conducted in Agartala, where a total of 2,900 election officials are being prepared for their respective responsibilities on polling day. The personnel have been divided into five categories, including Presiding Officers, First Polling Officers, Second Polling Officers, Third Polling Officers and Group D staff.
The training programme aims to familiarise all participating officials with the rules, responsibilities and operational procedures associated with election management. Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring that every polling official understands their duties and can perform them efficiently during the electoral process.
Alongside theoretical classroom sessions, participants are receiving practical training on the operation and handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Demonstrations are being conducted to help officials understand the technical aspects of the machines and prepare them to manage different situations that may arise during voting.
Mock polling exercises are also being organised as part of the training programme. These simulated voting sessions are intended to provide polling personnel with practical experience of actual election-day arrangements, helping them become familiar with polling procedures and avoid confusion during the voting process.
The entire exercise is being conducted under the supervision of specially appointed Master Trainers. Separate teams of trainers have been assigned responsibilities for theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations, particularly concerning EVM operations and polling station management.
According to administrative officials, the 2026 municipal elections will be conducted across 439 identified polling stations in the designated urban areas. The ongoing programme represents the first phase of training, while a second round of training will be organised at a later stage to further strengthen the preparedness of election personnel.
Authorities are also preparing for several other important activities ahead of polling day in accordance with the guidelines issued by the State Election Commission. These include the commissioning and testing of EVMs, deployment of polling teams to their designated polling stations, management of voting arrangements and the collection and secure transportation of election materials after polling concludes.
Officials said that proper training of polling personnel is essential to maintaining discipline, efficiency and transparency throughout the electoral process. Every polling station must be managed by adequately trained staff capable of handling their responsibilities and ensuring that voters can exercise their democratic rights without difficulties.
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With November 27 approaching, the administration is accelerating its preparations to ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The training of 2,900 personnel marks a significant step towards strengthening election management in Tripura, with authorities focusing on adequate manpower preparation, EVM handling and coordinated administrative arrangements to ensure free, fair, peaceful and transparent municipal elections across the state’s urban local bodies.
