The Tripura State Election Commission has intensified security and monitoring arrangements to ensure the peaceful and transparent conduct of the upcoming Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The Commission on Wednesday held two separate meetings to review security preparedness, law-and-order measures and the overall arrangements for the elections.
The first meeting, conducted in hybrid mode, was attended by the Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), District Election Officers-cum-District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from various districts.
Officials informed the Commission that necessary steps had been taken to maintain peace and normal law and order during the election campaign. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates and creating a free and democratic atmosphere for voters.
The Commission also directed sector officers and police personnel to facilitate the timely movement of representatives of participating political parties to their respective polling stations on polling day.
As part of the security arrangements, 74 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across the state. The forces will remain engaged before, during and after polling to strengthen security and prevent any disruption to the electoral process.
Area domination exercises and flag marches are being conducted regularly in different districts under the supervision of District Election Officers and SPs. The Commission has directed district administrations and police authorities to take all necessary measures to maintain a peaceful environment and boost voter confidence.
The Commission has also enforced restrictions under Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The restrictions will remain in effect from 4 pm on September 26 to 6 am on September 28, 2026.
During the mandatory 48-hour silence period, campaigning and canvassing will not be allowed. The Commission has also prohibited the display, publication or broadcast of election-related material capable of influencing voters through television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms and print media within the polling areas.
News organisations have been advised not to carry debates, discussions, opinions, opinion polls or other election-related content that could influence voters during the restricted period. Violations will attract action under the applicable laws.
The Commission reiterated that loudspeakers can be operated only between 6 am and 10 pm. Authorities have been instructed to prevent excessive noise from causing inconvenience to children, including newborns, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The State Election Commission has further directed District Election Officers to ensure minimum assured facilities at every polling station, including drinking water, electricity and essential furniture.
A second meeting was held with the election observers appointed for the Village Committee polls. The meeting focused on their duties and responsibilities, with particular emphasis on effective supervision, transparency, uniformity in the electoral process and strict adherence to the Commission's rules and guidelines.
The observers will monitor the election process in their assigned areas and submit regular reports to the State Election Commission.
