Video: Officials brave Northeast polling stations

Guwahati:

In India’s rugged and remote region of northeastern India, preparations for the world’s largest election are underway amid daunting terrain and weather conditions. Logistical challenges are particularly acute for the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the region as polling officials have to travel for hours to reach far-flung polling stations.

In Arunachal Pradesh, as many as 11,130 polling officials have been mobilized for the task, while 6,874 electronic voting machines (EVMs) have also been deployed for the concurrent Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The Union Home Ministry has deployed 80 companies, including 7,500 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), to maintain law and order during the election process.

Special measures are in place to ensure the integrity of voting equipment. Polling officials are equipped with unique waterproof bags, each of a specific color, as well as raincoats. This precaution is intended to prevent any disruption or damage to the EVM, especially during heavy rain.

Videos on social media showed election officials putting themselves at risk to prepare for the election.

A video from Payum Circle in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district showed election officials taking dangerous routes to reach polling stations. In the video, officials can be seen climbing the mountain while holding on to tree branches. Likewise, a viral video captured the poll workers braving rough terrain to reach the Kiferehakumarti polling station in Nagaland.

regardless of costs! ! ! P-2 polling officers made a triumphant journey through challenging terrain to Kifereha Kumarti polling station.#ECI#Elections2024#IVote4Sure#ChunavKaParv#deskagarv#loksabhaelection2024@ECISVEEP@dipr_nagaland@MyGovNagalandpic.twitter.com/1H41NbrmaS

— Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland (@ceonagaland) April 17, 2024

Multiple groups of election officials, including police officers, have been flown to these remote locations. Notably, many of these polling stations are located along the border with China.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain appreciated the proactive approach taken to address these challenges.

“We have made some special arrangements and 228 polling stations can only be reached by foot. When we were informed of the weather warning for polling day, we took the initiative to relocate political parties and designed special waterproof bags in two different colors to prevent EVMs Mix it up,” Mr. Thain said.

From the jagged mountains of Ladakh to the snow-capped peaks of Himachal Pradesh, from setting up polling stations in makeshift tents to setting up polling stations in small villages where solitary voters live – planning for voting in remote areas takes a toll months.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases, starting from April 19 and ending on June 1. Each phase will cover different constituencies across states and union territories. The election results will be announced on June 4.

The first phase of voting includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu , Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry states.