Tripura Elections: Bru migrants, elders, women, differently-abled, transgender people cast their votes

To ensure that no voter is left behind, the Election The commission took several measures which enabled more than 14,000 Bru voters to enroll themselves in the electoral roll, while facilitating home voting for the aged and persons with disabilities (PwD).

Ethnic conflicts in Mizoram have forced the Bru (or Reang) community to migrate and temporarily settle in neighboring Tripura since the 1990s. In January 2020, the Center and Bruce signed an agreement to rehabilitate displaced families in Tripura.

special measures

The ECI on Thursday said that for the assembly elections 2023, consent forms to settle at a particular place were received from Bru families, and 14,055 adult members enrolled in the state.

“For the first time Bru migrant voters were able to exercise their franchise after many years. Special efforts were made to enroll voters from the Bru community… Bru voters cast their vote at these locations spread over 4 districts,” the ECI said in a statement.

The poll panel said they were seen turning out in large numbers at Hadukalaupara in Ambassa assembly constituency in Dhalai district.

inclusive approach

Also, for the first time, home voting facility was provided for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters with benchmark disabilities.

“Form 12D was filled by 6,226 voters above 80 years; 1,277 PWD and 488 essential service personnel. Of these, a total of 7,788 voted from home.”

Transgender people also voted in large numbers. In addition, as part of the Commission’s initiative to provide a seamless experience to women voters, 97 women-managed polling stations were set up, which were also manned by women security personnel.

All polling stations had assured minimum facilities like ramps, drinking water, toilets, volunteers and wheelchairs. 88 model polling stations have been set up.

The counting of votes in Tripura will take place on March 2.

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