MAWKYRWAT: Ahead of the Langrin MDC bye-election scheduled for Friday, South West Khasi Hills (SWKH) Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, on Tuesday held a meeting-cum-final briefing with sector officers and zonal magistrates at Multipurpose Hall, Laitlawsang, Mawkyrwat.
The meeting was attended by the returning officer and assistant returning officer of the poll-bound constituency, superintendent of police and other officers, including officials of MePDCL, health department, and others. The meeting was held with an objective to review preparations for the upcoming bypoll.
Discussions were held on smooth and early deployment of polling teams to their respective polling stations, and the need for prompt and up-to-date monitoring on the polling day by all the concerned officers and cells.
“Instructions have been issued to HMVs and loaded vehicles to refrain from plying along critical roads within Langrin Constituency in order to ensure there is no breakdown, which may delay movement of polling teams,” the DC said.
It may be mentioned that there are several far-flung and remote polling stations within the constituency.
All required arrangements have been made at the polling stations including electrification, provisions of drinking water, etc.
Further, orders have been passed for all campaigns to stop on Wednesday, 48 hours prior to the time fixed for the closing of poll. Polling will be done from 7 am to 4 pm.
The District Council Affairs Department has, on the other hand, issued instructions that EPIC may be used as a form of identification and voters, who do not possess one, may also bring other valid documents such as Aadhaar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, etc. Facilitation Desks with poll day volunteers will be made available at all polling stations to assist voters.
The Deputy Commissioner has also called upon all voters of the 54 polling stations under 26-Langrin District Council Constituency to come and cast their vote in a peaceful manner, and has appealed to all political parties to ensure that there are no violations of the Model Code of Conduct in the run-up to poll and on the date of the actual poll, to ensure a smooth, free and fair election.
Dry Days declared
In view of the upcoming Langrin MDC bye-election, the Deputy Commissioner (Excise), SWKH, has declared dry days in all areas falling under the district on Friday, which also happens to be the polling day, and also on March 3, which happens to be the day for counting of votes.
The DC has also ordered strict enforcement of this order, which will be carried through intensive checking, raids and other measures. This order will also include the dates of re-poll, if any.
