Assembly Elections: 100 Transgenders to Vote First time in DK  – DC Senthil

Assembly Elections: 100 Transgenders to Vote First time in DK  – DC Senthil

Mangaluru: “We have taken all the measures for the smooth polling process on May 12. There are 1858 polling booths in the district and 17,11,848 voters of which 8,41073 are men, 8,70,675 women and 100 transgenders. Voter slips have already been distributed to the registered voters. If any voter has not received the voting slip they can come to the polling booth with their epic card or driving license, pan card, Aadhar card, passport etc to cast the vote. We have declared 20 booths as Pink booths where the entire process will be handled by women and is done in the spirit to celebrate womanhood. We have set up two model booths and 5 ethnic booths to celebrate the local culture. Voters should maintain peace and candidates should stop their campaign from May 10 (today) 6:00 pm. Voters should not be harassed on the Polling day, anyone trying to harass the voters will be severely dealt with. Section 144 will also be in force”, said the Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil in a press meet held at the DC office here on May 10.

Addressing the mediapersons DC Sasikanth Senthil said, “We have already sent the postal ballots to 12,387 polling officers, 1,295 police officers and staff, 43 election duty drivers/ cleaners and 380 postal ballots have been sent through ETBPS. So far we have received 5900 postal ballots.

Restrictions on Social media

From May 10, 6:00 pm onwards opinion polls should be stopped on all the social media, WhatsApp and Facebook. Print media should take pre-certification to publish related news. On May 12, from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm the exit and the opinion polls have been banned for 48 hours. According to the election commission, those who are contesting the elections, political parties or their supporters cannot give advertisements without the permission of the election commission. Under the 1951 act, section 126 advertisements related to the elections on Television, Radio or social media have been banned. The Social media will be monitored and action will be taken against the violators.

Polling Agents appointment

In the district, 13,176 polling staff have been appointed for 1858 booths and 648 vehicles have been arranged for transport. KSRTC will provide special service on May 12 in places where there is no bus facility to the polling booth, especially in Sullia, Belthangady and Puttur. The polling staff and the EVMs will be transported by 160 buses.

Section 144

For smooth and peaceful polling, section 144 will be in force for 48 hours. According to section 144, unlawful assembly, procession, rallies or open campaigning is banned. But there is a provision for the candidates, their agents or supporters to go to houses to distribute election pamphlets.

Liquor Ban

Liquor has been banned for 48 hours for smooth and fair polling in the district. The sale of liquor is banned from May 10, 6:00 pm until May 12, midnight. If anyone violates the order they will be punished with 6 months imprisonment and a penalty of Rs 2000.

Political leaders who have come from outside the district, state and the party workers who are not registered voters in Dakshina Kannada should leave the constituency before 48 hours of the polls.

Usage of Loudspeakers

Using of loudspeakers for the campaigning has been banned for 48 hours prior to the polling.

Postal Ballot counting

On May 15, from 8:00 am, the ETPBS and the polls received through postal ballots will be counted. After the counting of postal ballots, the EVM polls will be counted.

Seizure of money and liquor

Rs 15,89,500 cash and 32,357 litres of liquor have been seized. The excise department has registered 509 cases, seized 10 vehicles, 24 FIRs registered by the Election commission and 1 case for paid news has been registered.

Speaking on the occasion Police commissioner Vipul Kumar said, “It is very important for us to make sure that people are comfortable and confident to go and exercise their franchise. On the day of polling people should not be hesitant to go to the polling booth. We have very strict preventive measures in the city. We have deployed 2700 personnel in various capacities, each and every booth has been analyzed. Every critical booth will have an extra-level of security. 75% of the voters are covered by the central armed forces. If there is any violation or harassment of the voters please feel free to call the police. Feel free to go to the polling booth and cast your vote. We will not tolerate any kind of violation or harassment during the polls. We request the citizens to co-operate with us for the smooth process of the polling.”

SP Dr Ravikanthe Gowda also spoke on the occasion and briefed on the arrangements made by Dakshina Kannada police for smooth and peaceful voting.

ADC Vaishali, DCP Law and Order Hanumantharaya were also present.