Malappuram: As the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations for the October 11 assembly by-election in Vengara constituency ended on Wednesday, six candidates remained in the fray. They include IUML rebel candidate K. Hamsa and another independent candidate.
The three major candidates - LDF’s P.P Basheer, UDF’s K.N.A Khader and BJP’s K. Janachandran - are on a rigorous campaign to muster maximum votes while the district administration has several programmes to increase the turnout.
Election Commission’s Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme has already covered all wards in the constituency.
Aiming at young voters, the Commission has launched three campaign vehicles to convey the importance of taking part in the democratic process. Along with campaigns of various political parties, this is expected to draw more voters to the polling stations.
One lakh pamphlets will also be distributed throughout the educational institutions, clubs and other voluntary organisations as part of the SVEEP. The preparations for the polling day are also progressing along with heated electioneering.
Of 148 polling stations, 99 have been equipped with ramp facility for the physically challenged. The remaining will also be covered in the coming days.
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VPAT) machines are going to be used in the poll in Vengara. The electoral authorities have arranged 236 VPAT units and appointed 990 officials for the polling day.
