Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru May 1: Deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil on Tuesday, May 1 said that the preparation for elections are at full swing in the district and the EVMs and VVPATs have been distributed to respective constituencies and are stored in a strong room under tight security.

Addressing media here he said, “Fifty-eight candidates will contest the upcoming elections. After the candidate were finalised on April 27, symbols were allotted. Ballot paper is under printing process. There are 380 service voters in the district and postal ballot for the service voters has been distributed through ETPBS to respective election officers. Polling booth teams have been formed in the presence of election observers. Election counting process on May 15 will be held at Mahatma Gandhi Centenary Higher Primary School and PU College, Bondel.

“As many as 165 complaints have been registered online regarding the candidates. A total of 160 complaints have been disposed through Election Commission portal ‘Samadhan’ and five cases are under investigation. Under the model code of conduct, a total of Rs 15,89,500 lac has been seized, out of which Rs 8,84,500 has been returned. A total of 23,784 liters of alcohol has been seized worth Rs 1,33,48,902 and six vehicles have been taken into possession. Micro observers such as para military forces have been appointed for 360 sensitive polling booths.

“Recently, the deputy Election Commissioner visited the district and held a meeting and was convinced about the election preparations. Even the political parties are extending tremendous support. I hope that this spirit will continue for the next 10 days. Voters slip will be distributed in another two days”.