SHILLONG, NOV 5: The state administration has begun closing gaps in basic facilities at polling stations ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election, with Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed directing departments to act on priority.
Chief Electoral Officer Dr B.D.R. Tiwari said the state is fully prepared to hold the bye-election whenever the Election Commission of India announces it.
“We are ready for the conduct of the bye-election as and when announced by the Election Commission of India,” Tiwari said after the review meeting on Thursday.
He said assured minimum facilities must be put in place well in advance.
“At least the assured minimum facilities at the polling stations have to be maintained and assured well in advance,” he said. “We had a meeting at the level of the Chief Secretary with the concerned line officials wherever the gap is, so that they can start their part to fulfil these gaps, as well as to cover the network through the DoT and telecom service providers.”
The meeting reviewed drinking water, toilets, furniture, ramps, power supply and temporary connections through MePDCL, involving departments including PHE, Education, Rural Development and Power.
“The Chief Secretary has chaired the meeting and given instructions to all concerned to take up all these to set the polling stations on a priority basis,” Tiwari said.
On the date of the bye-election, he refused to speculate.
“The bye-election will be held as and when announced by the ECI. It will depend on them, so we can’t comment on that,” he said.
“Everything is ready. Whenever the Commission decides, we will go ahead,” he added.
Tiwari said a bye-election is normally held within six months of a vacancy arising, but the Commission may take longer in view of situations and technicalities. If less than one year of the House’s tenure remains, holding the bye-election is not mandatory, he said.
“Normally, they give the requisite time for filing nomination and then there will be a campaign period,” he said. “Accordingly, all notifications, filing of nomination, withdrawal, campaign period and everything will be as per schedule, including counting.”
On manpower, Tiwari said identification has already been done and a well-established system and procedure is in place.
By Our Reporter
