Haveri: The Haveri district administration has finalised all preparations for the upcoming byelection in All set for byelection in Shiggaon, set to take place on November 13.
Deputy commissioner and district election officer Dr Vijayamahantesh B Danammanavar told reporters that necessary facilities have been set up across all 241 polling stations to ensure smooth and accessible voting for all eligible citizens.
Dr Danammanavar stated that the polling stations are equipped with essential amenities such as ramps, drinking water, and wheelchairs. Special provisions, including dedicated vehicle arrangements, have been made for differentlyabled voters. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will be allowed direct entry to the voting booths to cast their votes, avoiding queues.
A total of 1,060 officials, comprising 265 Presiding Officers (PROs), 265 Assistant Presiding Officers (APROs), and 530 police officers, have been assigned to these polling stations. These officials underwent extensive training sessions on October 29 and November 7 to ensure efficient operations on election day.
In security measures, 92 of the 241 polling stations have been marked as critical, with webcasting facilities set up at 121 stations for real-time monitoring. The District Election Office, District Control Room, CEO’s Office, and Returning Officer’s Office will oversee activities across these sensitive locations. To further ensure security, 100 micro-observers and 20 videographers will be stationed across critical booths.
Eight candidates are in the fray. The voter list, updated on October 25, records 2,37,525 eligible voters, including 1,21,443 men, 1,16,076 women, and six others.
In preparation for the election, stringent enforcement of Section 163 BNSS 2023 will be observed in the district, including a dry day ban on liquor sales in the final 48 hours leading up to the vote.
The district administration has also arranged special voting options for senior citizens and differentlyabled individuals. Out of 2802 voters aged 85 and above, 208 requested to vote from home, with 203 successfully casting their ballots. Likewise, out of 5252 registered differentlyabled voters, 91 were able to vote from home following approved applications.
Additionally, law enforcement has taken action on model code violations, with three FIRs and three non-cognizable (NC) cases registered. The Excise Department has filed 200 FIRs, while the Police Department has registered 32 FIRs, resulting in the seizure of liquor. The Flying Squad seized Rs. 2,68,270 in cash and 8.240 kg of cannabis valued at Rs. 1,68,000.
A total of 4,686.79 liters of liquor, worth approximately Rs. 55,13,926, was seized, along with five vehicles valued at Rs. 3,00,000, which were confiscated as part of legal enforcement.
The district administration also reminds voters to carry their EPIC card or any one of the 12 alternative photo identification documents approved by the Election Commission for verification at the polling stations.
