SRINAGAR: Authorities in the Ladakh region have made all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 5th general LAHDC Kargil polls on Wednesday.
Initially, the election was scheduled for September 10 but was later rescheduled to October 4 following a Supreme Court verdict.
According to details obtained by the local news agency KNO, a total of 85 candidates representing various parties such as the National Conference, Congress, BJP, AAP, and Independent candidates are in the fray.
Officials have stated that polling will commence at 8 am and conclude at 4 pm tomorrow (Wednesday). The counting of votes will take place on October 8, with the entire election process set to conclude on the 11th.
There are a total of 26 constituencies, with 278 polling stations being established.
Officials have divided these stations into three categories; 114 are classified as hyper-sensitive, 99 as sensitive, and 65 as normal. “Security will be deployed accordingly, and all necessary preparations have been put in place,” added an official.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was enforced on September 7, with flying squads deployed in all constituencies to monitor compliance.
For the first time, EVMs will be utilized in LAHDC elections, employing an M2-type machine specifically designed for Hill Council elections. Permission from the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been obtained for the use of this secure machine. The official assured that it is tamper-proof, and no external devices can be connected to it.
Micro observers have also been deployed in various constituencies for the first time, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
The official further mentioned that the strong room would be under CVTV surveillance, emphasizing the commitment to conducting a transparent election with sufficient security arrangements in place.
Polling employees, accompanied by EVMs and other necessary materials, have been dispatched to their respective polling stations.
It is noteworthy that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections hold significant political importance for all parties, as this marks the first time elections are taking place in Kargil since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Previously, the council was led by National Conference associate Feroz Khan.
The National Conference and Congress have formed a pre-and post-poll alliance with the aim of keeping the BJP out of power. Additionally, the AAP is participating in Kargil elections for the first time. (KNO)
