By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The stage is all set for the mock polls which will be held in two assembly constituencies of Sohra and Shells to check the efficacy of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, an added machine to be used while casting the votes.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Jopthiaw Lyngdoh said the first level checking of EVM is over and the entire preparation for the mock poll is also completed.
It may be mentioned that Sohra has been chosen by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as one of the five areas in the country for holding the mock polls.
The mock polls will be held in Sohra on July 26 from 7 am to 4 pm.
“All people of the State including the NGOs and political parties are invited to participate in the exercise,” Lyngdoh added while briefing media persons here.
The results for the mock poll would be announced on July 27.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, there would be 18 polling stations in each constituency of Shella and Sohra. Dummy names and symbols in the EVMs will be used for the mock poll, he added.
Reacting to a query about the expected voter turn out, Lyngdoh maintained that the administration was expecting a cent per cent turn out in the mock poll.
Anuj Jairpuriar, Secretary to the ECI, who is also the poll observer, would arrive in the State shortly to oversee the entire polling exercise.
Lyngdoh also informed that after casting their votes in the mock poll, people would be asked to fill a feedback form where they will present their views on the new machines which would be used for the voting process.
Besides Sohra, the mock poll exercise is also been undertaken in Jammu & Kashmir, North-west district in New Delhi, Rajastan and Kerala on the recommendation of an expert committee following complaints by the poll contesting candidates who have challenging the accuracy of the EVMs currently used in the country for conducting elections.
Meanwhile, the Subdivisional Officer, Sohra Civil Subdivision has issued an order that all educational institutions with the subdivision would remain closed on the day of the mock poll.