Arrangements in place for MLC elections: Collector

All necessary arrangements are being made for the MLC Graduates’ Constituency election scheduled for February 17 in East Godavari district, with training programmes underway for polling officers and staff.
Election Observer K Sunita held a video conference on Thursday with Collector P Prashanthi and SP D Narasimha Kishore to review the preparations. The Collector informed that training sessions for 510 polling staff will be conducted on February 14 and 19.
Election Observer Sunita instructed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the elections and strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct across the district. She emphasised the need for special focus on training polling staff, distributing election materials, and setting up reception centres. She also directed officials to strengthen security at sensitive polling stations and submit proposals for additional police personnel if required.
Collector Prashanthi reported that 92 polling stations, including 10 auxiliary ones, have been set up in the district. A total of 102 presiding officers, 102 assistant presiding officers, 204 polling staff, and 102 micro-observers have been appointed. Additionally, eight zones have been formed, with eight sector officers, 20 flying squads, and six statistical surveillance teams deployed to oversee the election process.
She added that special teams have been formed to monitor the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and media reports, particularly regarding favourable advertisements and door-to-door campaigns. A media point has been set up at the Information Department office.
SP D Narasimha Kishore stated that 780 security personnel have been deployed for smooth conduct of polling. Seventeen striking force teams have been stationed along 58 routes, while 15 designated routes have been set up for transporting polling materials. He assured that there are no problematic polling stations in the district.
A total of 62,970 voters, including 36,361 men and 26,606 women, will cast their votes in the MLC Graduates’ Constituency election in East Godavari district on February 17.
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