SHILLONG: The much-awaited by- poll to Tura Lok Sabha seat which remained vacant following the death of sitting MP P A Sangma on March 4, will be held on May 16.
The counting of votes will be on May 19.
The model code of conduct will come into force with immediate effect.
As per the statement by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, the election will be notified in the official gazette on Friday which means that from that date, the filing of nominations will start.
The last date for filing nominations is on April 29, and the papers will be scrutinized on April 30.
The last date for withdrawal of nominations is on May 2 and the whole election process should be completed within May 21.
The updated electoral roll from January 1, 2016 will be used for the by- election.
Speaking to reporters about the security arrangements for the polling day considering Garo Hills to be the stronghold of militants, Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor sad that in a video conference with the Deputy Commissioner, Tura who is also the Returning Officer (RO) of Tura, the matter was discussed. Other four districts will be sensitized on the law and order issue especially on the vulnerable positions, he said
“There will be a series of meetings with the police department on Wednesday in context of the Garo hills situation,” he said.
On the issue of dual borders, he said that the Deputy Commissioners of Meghalaya will meet their counterparts of Assam to address the issue.
He informed that there are 945 polling stations in all 24 Assembly constituencies with over 622189 total number of electors, 315255-male and 306934-female voters.
To encourage the people to come out in large numbers to vote, he said, “We will undertake drives to encourage voters to come to the polling station and campaigns will be held to sensitize the people as well.”
Kharkongor said that elections were held early as to prevent problems relating to monsoons which will cause vehicular movements and it will be better from the management point of view.
Tura by- election schedule
lNotification of poll: April 22
lLast date for filing nominations: April 29
lScrutiny of nominations: April 30
lDeadline for withdrawal of nominations: May 2
lDate of poll: May 16
lDate of counting: May 19