Election Commission’s Meticulous Planning Ensures Successful and Fair Polling in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh

Raipur Meticulous planning and exhaustive reviews by the Election Commission have ensured a successful and fair polling process in the states of Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. The voting enthusiasm was palpable as citizens from all sections of society participated in the festival of democracy to elect their representatives for the legislative assemblies. In Mizoram, all 40 Assembly constituencies witnessed a single-phase election, while in Chhattisgarh, 20 Assembly constituencies went to polls in Phase-I of the elections out of a total of 90 Assembly Constituencies. Preliminary voting figures reported a turnout of nearly 69.78% in Mizoram and 60.92% in Chhattisgarh as of 3 PM. The final voting percentages are expected to increase as reports from all polling stations, including those in interior and inaccessible areas, are compiled. Voters who reached polling stations until the end of polling hours were allowed to cast their votes. The final results will be known after the scrutiny of Form 17A and are expected by November 8, 2023. The success of these elections can be attributed to the careful planning and extensive monitoring by the Election Commission, which included Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel. A notable achievement in Chhattisgarh was the establishment of polling stations in 126 villages in Bastar division, which had never before hosted polling stations since independence. These areas are affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), and the new polling stations made it easier for residents to vote without enduring long and hazardous journeys through forests and other challenging terrain. These polling stations were set up in line with Election Commission norms, ensuring that no voter has to travel beyond a 2-kilometer radius to vote. Inclusivity and accessibility were promoted through the use of 320 all-women-managed polling stations, 31 polling stations managed by people with disabilities (PwDs), and 140 Model polling stations in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh combined. A unique initiative in Kanker, Chhattisgarh, saw the establishment of a Rainbow Model Polling Station in an area with a significant third-gender population. This station was staffed by security personnel belonging to the third gender, eliminating stigma and ensuring a safe and welcoming voting experience for third-gender voters. The polling stations provided essential facilities like ramps, drinking water, toilets, sheds, volunteers, and wheelchairs to accommodate voters’ needs. Additionally, eco-friendly and tribal-themed polling stations were set up in Chhattisgarh, further enhancing the voting experience. In a groundbreaking move, home voting facilities were introduced for senior citizens over the age of 80 years and PwD voters with a 40% benchmark disability. Despite this option, many of them chose to visit polling stations in person to cast their votes, emphasizing their commitment to the democratic process. In total, 8,52,088 voters were registered in Mizoram, while 40,78,680 voters were registered for Phase-I of the elections in Chhattisgarh. The Election Commission set up 1,276 polling stations in Mizoram and 5,304 polling stations in Chhattisgarh to facilitate the voting process. A total of 174 candidates contested the elections in Mizoram, while 223 candidates contested Phase-I of the elections in Chhattisgarh, reflecting the vibrant democratic spirit of the people in these states. \\Box \70.87% voter turnout reported until 5 PM In the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly elections, voting concluded at 5 PM on 20 seats, with a turnout of 70.87%. The voting percentage may increase as who were inside the polling booths by 5 PM were allowed to cast their votes. However, during the voting process, Naxalites created a significant disruption in various areas. Incidents of violence and clashes were reported in Kanker, Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma. Sukma witnessed two separate IED blasts that left two soldiers injured. Currently, a confrontation is ongoing between security forces and Naxalites in the Meenapa area. According to sources, three soldiers were injured in this engagement. In addition to this, in Kanker, a farmer was injured due to gunfire during a clash. There are reports of several Naxalites being injured in Bijapur. After a confrontation in Narayanpur, Naxalites retreated. The highest voter turnout was recorded in Kanker at 76.31%, while the lowest turnout was in Bijapur at 40.98% until 5 PM.