DIBRUGARH, April 9 - Barely 36 hours to go for the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 11, the election district here has already moved its polling personnel, including security men and sector officers, to six remote polling stations in Chabua assembly and Dibrugarh assembly segments.
Four among the six far-flung polling stations in Chabua assembly fall under Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency while two polling stations come under Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency. The polling personnel are required to reach the locations in char areas both by road and boat, which requires extensive time for travelling.
The polling personnel left for their assigned locations this evening with all the polling equipment and materials, 13-Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency Returning Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha informed newsmen here today.
Several fleets of requisitioned vehicles, including buses, travellers, wingers and other four-wheelers numbering about 1,157, have already been stationed at Chowkidinghee ground for ferrying the polling personnel and other security men from early tomorrow.
Over 6,000 polling personnel will be deployed for the conduct of the polls in 1,268 polling stations within the Dibrugarh election district. The entire election district has been divided into 32 zones and 131 sectors for engagement of civil and police officers in each of the areas. Some 67 Micro Observers have also been deputed for the polls.
Out of the 1,268 polling stations, total webcasting will be done in 100 polling stations. There will be altogether 13 model polling stations with some extra facilities and services and 14 all women polling stations (2 per LAC). One hundred seventy-seven polling stations have been marked critical. At least eight areas in the district have also been identified as shadow areas, which mean regions without communication network.
Special facilities like vehicles, wheelchairs and assistants have also been arranged for differently-abled persons to facilitate voting. There are about 1,665 voters marked as PWD voters within the Dibrugarh election district, of which some 356 need assistance, as per data released to the media.
Meanwhile, the election campaign for the first phase came to an end this evening. The entire area going to polls has also been declared dry. The Deputy Commissioner has expressed hope that the elections will be peaceful and held in a disciplined manner.
�So far no complaints or any allegations on violation of model code of conduct have been received from contesting parties. Therefore, we are expecting a free and fair election,� the Deputy Commissioner told newsmen.
