The Tripura State Election Commission (SEC) has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, likely to be held in November, by convening an all-party meeting to review election arrangements, electoral roll preparation and security measures.
The elections will be held in 21 municipal bodies across the state, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation.
Speaking to reporters at the State Secretariat after the meeting on Tuesday, State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakraborty said the commission had initiated several measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.
He said the meeting, attended by representatives of all political parties, was the first state-level consultation on election preparedness. Discussions focused on arrangements at the district level, the progress of work by the Urban Development Department and the preparation of electoral rolls.
“The publication of the draft electoral rolls and their subsequent final publication are among the important tasks in the election process,” Chakraborty said.
The meeting also reviewed polling station arrangements and various stages of the election process, including the filing of nominations, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature and implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. The responsibilities of political parties and officials following the announcement of the election schedule were also discussed.
Emphasising the need for a peaceful election, Chakraborty said the commission had urged all political parties to maintain peace and tranquillity throughout the election period. Security arrangements, particularly the deployment of security forces, were also discussed in detail.
The Inspector General of Police (North), the commission's secretary and other officials were present at the meeting.
According to the SEC, representatives of political parties demanded the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure adequate security during the elections. However, the Director General of Police (DGP) suggested utilising the central forces already available in the state.
“The DGP will take up the matter with the Home Department,” Chakraborty added.
