Preparations complete for October 21 by-election in DK Local Authorities’ Constituency: DC

Preparations complete for October 21 by-election in DK Local Authorities’ Constituency: DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, October 19, 2024: The district administration has made all preparations for the by-election to be held on October 21 for the Legislative Council seat in the D.K. local authorities’ constituency, according to election officer and Deputy Commissioner of DK district Mullai Mugilan.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said that there are 53 sensitive polling stations in the constituency. These polling stations will have complete video recording facilities, and additional police security has been arranged. Micro-observers have been appointed at polling stations where there are more than 20 voters, he said.

CCTV cameras in respective gram panchayats and urban local bodies are already being used for the election process. In the D.K. local authority constituency, there are 6,032 voters across 392 polling stations, with 3,552 voters in the D.K. district and 2,480 voters in Udupi district.

The purple pen provided by the presiding officer (P.K.O.) at the polling station must be used for voting. If any other pen or marking instrument is used, such a vote will be considered invalid, Mullai Mugilan said. Voters have already been informed about the voting process. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the polling station.

In D.K. district, 223 gram panchayats with 3,263 members, 65 members in Mangalore City Corporation, 64 members in two town councils, 74 members in three municipalities, and 86 members in five town panchayats are eligible to vote.

In Udupi district, 2,355 members in 153 gram panchayats, 36 members in Udupi City Council, 72 members in three municipalities, and 17 members in one town panchayat are eligible to vote. A total of 470 polling officers, assistant polling officers, and micro-observers have been appointed for the 392 polling stations.

Regarding security, 540 police officers/personnel under the jurisdiction of D.K. district’s Superintendent of Police and Commissioner of Police, and 328 police officers/personnel in Udupi district have been deployed. A ban on trade, crowds, and gatherings within 100 meters of the polling station has been issued.