Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, May 11: “Following directions from the Election Commission, 48 hours preceding elections and during the duration of the polling in Udupi ahead will be ‘dry days’ ahead of assembly polls on May 12 and on the day of counting on May 15,” said district commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis in a press release here on Thursday, May 10.
“Politically motivated programmes should not be telecasted from May 10 after 6 pm onwards. EC has launched a unique election app that will help out in providing updates to voters in every 10 minutes in urban areas of Kundapur and Karkala constituency excluding Saligram town municipality and Kaup municipality council.
“EC has further provided wheelchairs to 555 voting polls for the convenience of physically challenged and magnifying glass have been provided to 328 polling booths for the visually challenged.
“The EC has installed 274 micro observers through electoral supervisors for vigilance in the booths. All appointed staff on the election duty will be provided with meal by Akshara Dasoha staff including election duty staff, officials and security guards.
“Systems are in place for webcast in 132 booths in all critical and non critical booths. It will be observed by the deputy commissioner in SP office. The outside voters, supporters who are staying in lodges, hotels, chathras and wedding halls for the election promotion from other cities are under observation.
“The mustering and de-mustering process will be held at Bhandarkars' Arts and Science College, Kundapur, St Cecily's school Udupi and Manjunatha Pai Memorial Govt First Grade College Karkala.
“The ink mark will be put on right hand finger wherever the by-election have been already conducted especially in Kundapur and Kaup.
“The election mustering process starts from sharp 8 am and around 2 pm the staff will leave the mustering centre. There are 154 service buses on 303 routes. The queue monitoring system will be in 149 polling booths which come under urban areas.
“Staff has been appointed on all 1103 polling booths in the district. They will be provided with first aid box, ORS pack, mosquitoes coil, two mineral water bottles of 20 litre and meal so that they can work with dedication. Some women staff has requested to provide nearby village for election duties. We are considering their request by the guidelines given by Election Commission. There are 10 pink polling booths in the city,” she said.
All necessary steps have been taken for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the assembly election.
ADC Anuradha G was present.