Mizoram's Dampa Constituency Ready for Crucial By-Election
The stage is set for the crucial by-election in Mizoram's Dampa assembly constituency, with election officials completing final preparations this weekend. The last round of training for polling staff and digital randomization of polling parties concluded successfully on Saturday under careful supervision.
Remote Border Villages Receive Special Attention
Election authorities have made special arrangements for six of the most remote villages located along the Bangladesh border. Polling parties assigned to Silsury-1, Silsury-2, Silsury-3, Zopui, Hnahva, and Lianbuang villages will begin their journey to these remote locations on Sunday, giving them ample time to reach their designated polling stations.
Meanwhile, polling teams responsible for the remaining 35 stations will depart from Mamit town on Monday, just ahead of the Tuesday election. The entire operation is being coordinated from the Mamit deputy commissioner's office under the watchful eye of general observer M T Reju.
Technology and Infrastructure Challenges
State joint chief electoral officer Ethel Rothangpuii confirmed that webcasting will be implemented at 40 polling stations to ensure transparency and monitor the voting process in real-time. However, one polling station faces unique technological challenges.
The Zopui polling station will only have video coverage instead of live webcasting due to two significant obstacles: the complete absence of road connectivity and lack of electricity infrastructure. This remote location remains inaccessible by vehicle, presenting logistical challenges for election officials.
The silent period for the by-election commenced at 4 PM on Sunday and will continue until 4 PM on Tuesday, when voting concludes. This period restricts political campaigning to ensure free and fair elections.
Model Code Violation Controversy
In related developments, the state chief electoral officer's office is escalating its concerns about alleged violations of the election model code of conduct. A second complaint is being forwarded to the Election Commission of India regarding the state chief minister, following allegations submitted by the Mizo National Front party's legal board.
The complaint accuses the chief minister of delivering what has been characterized as a "hate speech" against the Chakma community during a campaign event on November 1. This marks the second formal complaint against the chief minister, with the central poll panel still deliberating on an earlier complaint concerning an electoral promise made by the same leader.
As Mizoram prepares for this significant political event, all eyes are on Dampa constituency, where election authorities have left no stone unturned to ensure smooth and transparent voting processes, even in the most challenging geographical conditions.
