Tripura State Election Commission held an all-party meeting to review preparations for civic polls across 21 urban local bodies, including Agartala Municipal Corporation. Discussions covered electoral rolls, EVM checks, nomination procedures, polling stations and security arrangements for peaceful elections.
The Tripura State Election Commission (SEC) on Wednesday held an all-party meeting to review preparations for the upcoming elections to 21 urban local bodies across the state, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation. The meeting discussed electoral rolls, polling station identification, electronic voting machine (EVM) inspections, nomination procedures and security arrangements to ensure peaceful and fair elections.
The meeting was chaired by State Election Commissioner P K Chakravarti and attended by two representatives each from various political parties, along with senior officials from the departments concerned.
Speaking after the meeting, Chakravarti said it was the first meeting convened by the commission to assess the progress of preparations for the upcoming civic elections. Discussions focused on election-related work being undertaken at the district level and arrangements being made by the Urban Development Department.
The commission reviewed the publication of electoral rolls, identification of polling stations and preparation of final voter lists. These measures are considered essential for ensuring that election-related procedures are completed before polling begins.
Chakravarti informed the participants that the first-level checking (FLC) of electronic voting machines was under way in different districts in the presence of political party representatives and government officials. The process was scheduled to be completed by Thursday, according to the commissioner.
The meeting also examined procedures for filing nomination papers, scrutiny of nominations and withdrawal of candidature. Participants discussed the responsibilities of political parties and government officials following the announcement of the election schedule, with an emphasis on ensuring compliance with established election procedures.
Security arrangements emerged as a major subject of discussion during the meeting. Representatives of political parties called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state police personnel and other central forces to maintain security throughout the election process.
According to Chakravarti, the officiating Director General of Police had discussed the possibility of deploying central forces already stationed in Tripura for election duty. The police chief would also contact the Home Department to assess whether additional central forces were required to ensure adequate security during the polls.
Political party representatives also raised complaints concerning seat reservations and electoral rolls. The commission discussed these issues as part of its review of election preparations.
Chakravarti appealed to all political parties to maintain peace and harmony throughout the election process. He urged political organisations and other stakeholders to cooperate with the election authorities to ensure that the civic polls were conducted peacefully, fairly and in accordance with the prescribed rules.
The officiating Director General of Police, the Secretary of the State Election Commission and officials from the departments concerned were also present at the meeting.
The upcoming elections will cover 21 urban local bodies across Tripura, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation. The polls are expected to involve coordination among the State Election Commission, district administrations, police authorities and urban development officials.
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However, the commission did not announce the election schedule during Wednesday’s meeting. Further details regarding the polling dates and other election-related arrangements are expected to be communicated through official announcements.
The all-party meeting marks an important step in reviewing administrative and logistical preparations for the civic elections, with electoral roll management, EVM checking, nomination procedures and security planning among the key issues addressed by the commission.
