Tripura TTAADC elections scheduled April 13 with counting April 17. Over 9.6 lakh voters to participate across 28 constituencies amid tight security, Model Code enforcement, and extensive polling arrangements ensuring free, fair, and transparent democratic process.
The State Election Commission has officially announced that polling for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections will be conducted on April 13, with the counting of votes scheduled for April 17. The announcement sets the stage for a crucial electoral exercise in Tripura’s tribal autonomous regions, as the tenure of the current council is set to expire on April 18.
State Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar confirmed that the formal election notification will be issued on March 18, marking the beginning of the electoral process. Candidates aspiring to contest the elections will be able to file their nominations until March 25, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 26. The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed for March 28, providing a clear timeline for political parties and independent candidates to finalize their participation.
In case of any unforeseen circumstances necessitating a re-poll, authorities have scheduled April 16 as the contingency date. The entire election process will conclude by April 18, just in time before the expiration of the current council’s term.
According to the final electoral rolls released by the Commission, a total of 9,62,697 voters are eligible to cast their votes across 28 constituencies within the TTAADC jurisdiction. Of these, 4,82,025 are male voters, while 4,80,666 are female voters. Additionally, six voters have been registered under the third gender category, reflecting inclusive electoral participation.
With the declaration of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect across the TTAADC areas. Commissioner Manoj Kumar emphasized that all political parties, government departments, and stakeholders must strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by the Commission. He further clarified that any government decision or policy that may influence voters in the council areas will require prior approval from the Commission, ensuring a level playing field during the election period.
Security arrangements for the elections have been meticulously planned, taking into account vulnerability assessments of all polling stations. Director General of Police Anurag stated that out of the 1,257 polling stations identified, 311 have been categorized as highly critical, while 693 fall under high threat perception. The remaining 253 polling stations have been classified as normal.
To ensure peaceful and secure polling, approximately 11,000 security personnel from Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed across the state. Static deployment at polling booths will be complemented by mobile patrolling units, sector officers, and area domination exercises throughout the election period.
The DGP further assured that all candidates will be provided with adequate personal security. Arrangements for public meetings and rallies will be facilitated upon obtaining prior permission from the authorities. Strict action, including prosecution, will be initiated against any anti-social elements attempting to disrupt the electoral process.
Addressing concerns regarding cross-border security threats, the police chief asserted that Tripura has been declared insurgency-free, with no active underground groups operating in the region. He highlighted that the Border Security Force has significantly strengthened surveillance along the international border. Additionally, 15 extra camps have been established by Tripura Police as a secondary layer of security to further bolster the safety framework.
In a bid to ensure inclusivity and voter convenience, election authorities have made special arrangements at polling stations, including ramps and sheds for elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the entire polling process will be videographed to maintain transparency and accountability.
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The upcoming TTAADC elections are expected to be closely watched, as they play a vital role in shaping governance and development policies in Tripura’s tribal areas. With robust security measures, strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and a well-structured election timeline, authorities aim to conduct a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
