Teams to monitor code of conduct in Chengannur

ALAPPUZHA: The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to implement the model code of conduct for the Chengannur Assembly bypoll to be held on May 28. District collector T.V. Anupama said on Monday that a team led by the sub-collector had been constituted for the purpose. "The campaigning and other activities will be monitored by 18 teams of static surveillance, two anti-defacement squads, one video surveillance team, three flying squads, one video viewing team and one expenditure monitoring team, which were formed on April 26. An expenditure observer is likely to arrive on May 3," she said.

A team headed by the additional district magistrate will monitor the law and order issues. There will be 164 polling stations, including five model ones and 10 women-friendly booths. Besides, six polling stations have been identified as 'Critical A' and another 17 as 'Critical B.'  However, the  number of sensitive booths might change based on the assessment by the district police chief. Auxiliary booths will be announced on May 5, she said.

Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines will be used in the election and 500 ballot units, 400 control units and 212 VVPATs have been made ready.   "We have requested the Election Commission for 200 more VVPATS as reserve," Ms  Anupama said. The final voters' list, which will   be made ready onMay 5,   would be issued to political parties on May 15. The poll notification will be issued on May 3. The last date of filing nominations is May 10 and the scrutiny of nomination will be held on May 11. The last date of withdrawal of nominations is May 14.