Assam Elections 2021: 1602 voters to cast postal ballots in Hailakandi district

HAILAKANDI: A total of 1602 12 D forms for senior citizens and persons with disabilities were approved for postal ballot during Assam assembly elections in Hailakandi district of Assam.

This was stated by additional deputy commissioner and officer-in-charge of postal ballot Dhrubajyoti Deb, adding that 1017 applications have been refused. The provision has been made in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The district election authorities today held a meeting with representatives of political parties candidates, independents, and their agents to brief them about different aspects of the model code of conduct and expenditure.

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The district election officers advised them to report any MCC and expenditure violations to the ECI's appointed observers, election authorities, control room numbers or by using of c-Vigil.

Deputy commissioner Megh Nidhi Dahal informed them that polling staff have been delegated to collect votes from homes of senior citizens over the age of 80 and people with disabilities and that the members and their political agents should be present during the voting process.

Deb stated that 15 teams consisting of a presiding officer, first polling officer, micro observer, security personnel and videographer have been established for each LAC to facilitate voting via postal ballot at home, and that the entire exercise will take place from March 21 to 24.

He said polling staff will only visit absentee voters' homes twice to ensure that they are at home on election day, and that if they are found missing, they will not be allowed to vote later at the polling station. Persons whose applications for a home postal ballot is refused will be informed through various modes of communication so that they can cast their ballots.

According to a report submitted by the health department, there was no COVID patient at home, so facilitation centres will be set up at the circle stage. The process will begin on March 25 and end on March 27, he said.