Last Update: February 26, 2023, 11:01 IST
Polling parties trekking steep mountain paths, crossing marshy rivers, traversing difficult terrain to reach booths (Photo: Twitter/ @PIBShillong)
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor informed that a total of 3,419 polling parties have been deployed for the elections to be held on 59 assembly seats.
Election officials have started arriving at booths across Meghalaya, trekking steep mountain paths, crossing muddy rivers and walking for hours, to prepare for the February 27 election in the state.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor informed that a total of 3,419 polling parties have been deployed for the elections to be held on 59 assembly seats.
“A total of 974 teams left for their polling stations on Saturday. By 9.30 pm, 893 polling parties reported that they have reached their destination after crossing hostile terrain and water bodies.
He said the polling parties are trekking steep mountain paths, crossing muddy rivers, crossing difficult terrains, using ropeways in some areas to reach their destinations.
Kharkongor said election officials had to use a boat to reach Kamsing polling station in Amalrem constituency, which has only 35 voters.
He said some teams also used traditional Khasi baskets ‘Khoh’ to carry EVMs and other polling materials to ensure that no voter was left behind.
Election officials sent to Rongcheng polling station in Rongra Siju constituency in South Garo Hills had to trek for eight hours to reach. He said some other teams also trekked for about four hours to reach their destination.
The remaining 2,445 polling parties will leave for their booths on Sunday, a day before polling, he said.
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has 60 seats, but polling for the Sohyeong constituency in East Khasi Hills district was postponed due to the death of UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh.
Of the total 3,419 booths, 640 have been identified as sensitive. A total of 323 booths have been identified as critical while 84 booths are both critical and vulnerable.
A total of 369 candidates are contesting the elections, for which the counting of votes will take place on March 2.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)