District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao on Saturday said a well-defined security protocol prepared on the basis of the latest vulnerability mapping conducted by the police would be followed in Kozhikode and Vadakara Lok Sabha constituencies as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful election on April 23.
Mr. Rao, who is also the District Election Officer, told reporters that the control room at the Collectorate would monitor sensitive, vulnerable or critical booths and respond promptly to the situation. The booth-level staff would be in touch with higher authorities using the specially developed communication app, eDooth.
“We have finalised the security arrangements and are well-prepared to face any law and order issue. Field-level officers have been asked to respond quickly to emergencies,” he said. The suggestions made by political parties have also been taken into account. Webcasting will cover 1,134 polling booths in Kozhikode district. “Of this, 833 polling stations are under the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency. Micro-observers will also be posted to monitor the poll process in such identified polling stations,” he added.
Mr. Rao said all the 2,177 polling booths in Kozhikode and Vadakara constituencies would be accessible for differently abled voters. “In Kozhikode, there were 33,314 such voters. If needed, they will get pick-and-drop help. To help such voters, 2,250 volunteers will be at hand.”
There will be separate arrangements for visually challenged citizens. Braille-enabled electronic voting machines and specially prepared audio materials will be available for such voters.
Mr. Rao pointed out that the complaints so far received through the Election Commission’s cVIGIL app were all attended. “Of the 1,433 complaints received, 1,104 cases were settled without any delay. The total number of rejected complaints was 295. Investigation is still on into other 44 complaints received through the app,” he said.