tripura-panchayat-poll-set-for-early-august

Tripura is set to witness a crucial three-tier panchayat election, tentatively scheduled for the last week of July or the first week of August, as announced by State Election Commissioner S. Chaudhuri on Monday. The election will cover 6,370 gram panchayat seats, 423 seats in 35 panchayat samitis, and 116 seats in eight zilla parishads.

 

Addressing the media, Commissioner Chaudhuri emphasised the necessity of conducting the polls by the first week of August to coincide with the conclusion of the current term.

 

He mentioned, "We shall propose the last week of July or first week of August for the poll. We have finalised the polling stations and published the draft voters’ list. Soon, we will submit the proposal to the state government. As per law, the commission must finalise the poll schedule in consultation with the state government. Upon receiving state approval, we shall announce the poll schedule."

 

According to the draft voters’ list, the state has nearly 12,95,086 voters, with the list expected to be finalised by June 24. The election commission has earmarked 2,650 polling stations for the upcoming polls.

 

"Following the finalisation of the voters' list, preparations such as the arrangement of ballot boxes and the printing of ballot papers will commence," Chaudhuri added.

 

The commissioner highlighted the logistical challenges involved, stating, "We need to print approximately 55 lakh ballot papers, a process that will require around 10-12 days."

 

Once the poll schedule is announced, the Election Commission will focus on security arrangements to ensure a peaceful election process. "The deployment of adequate security forces will be a priority to maintain law and order during the polls," Chaudhuri assured.

 

Reflecting on the 2019 panchayat elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a dominant victory, winning 86% of the seats uncontested. This upcoming election will be a significant test for the BJP to maintain its stronghold in the state's rural governance.

 

As the state braces for the panchayat elections, all eyes are on the electoral process and the potential shifts in local governance dynamics it may bring.