ITANAGAR: Repolling commenced at eight polling stations across four assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain told a national news agency that polling commenced at 6 am and is scheduled to conclude at 2 pm.
He assured that all eligible voters would be allowed to cast their votes, with provisions for issuing slips if voting is not completed within the designated time.
Reportedly, stringent security measures have been put in place for the repolling, with Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa stationed at Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district.
Four superintendents of police (SPs) are also deployed, each overseeing one polling station in the district.
In addition to Upper Subansiri, other districts have also intensified security arrangements. Notably, East Siang SP Sachin Singhal, West Siang DC Hage Mamu, and SP Abhimanyu Poswal are overseeing polling stations in Rumgong, while officials from Kra Daadi and Lower Dibang Valley districts are stationed in Kurung Kumey.
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West Kameng DC Akriti Sagar and SP Sudhanshu Dhama are stationed in East Kameng district, alongside other officers and 10 paramilitary forces.
CEO Sain highlighted the extensive deployment of security personnel to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
He warned of strict action against any attempts to tamper with or interfere with the EVMs unlawfully.
The Election Commission had ordered repolling due to reported violence and EVM damage during the elections held on April 19.
The affected polling stations include Sario under Bameng assembly constituency, Longte Loth in Nyapin segment, as well as Bogne and Molom booths under Rumgong seat. Additionally, Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari, and Lengi under the Nacho constituency are also undergoing repolling.
During the initial elections on April 19, an estimated 82.71% of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise to elect 50 MLAs for the 60-member assembly.
The ruling BJP secured ten assembly seats unopposed, while the Lok Sabha polls recorded a turnout of 77.51%.
Counting of votes for the assembly elections is scheduled for June 2, with Lok Sabha polls following on June 4.