In a press briefing held on April 18th, 2024, at the CEO's office in Itanagar, CEO Pawan Kumar Sain lauded Arunachal Pradesh as a beacon of peace amidst the tumult of elections. Emphasizing the state's commitment to fostering positivity, Sain highlighted the historic significance of the 100% armed deposit initiative, aimed at ensuring a secure electoral process.
A significant aspect of the election narrative was the commendable participation of Arunachal Pradesh's women, who have been instrumental in championing clean and fair elections. Sain proudly announced that 150 polling parties across the state were led by women, with Roing setting a precedent as an all-woman-led administrative unit, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Assistant Returning Officer, and all polling personnel.
In remote and challenging terrains like the TIRAP district, women have taken the lead, exemplified by Deputy Commissioner Ira Singhal's leadership. Notably, several districts, including West Siang and Kurung Kumey, known for their rugged landscapes, are under the capable stewardship of female administrative officers.
The logistical machinery behind the election process was vast, with 595 sector officers and 363 police sector officers deployed. A total of 86,442 officials, including the CEO's power and district election officers, were involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. With 864 vehicles equipped with GPS trackers, the transportation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to polling stations was meticulously monitored.
The implementation of technology was evident with 1,108 polling stations equipped for webcasting, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, measures were in place to facilitate postal ballots for various categories of voters, including those above 80 years old and persons with disabilities.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Arunachal Pradesh remained unscathed, with no reported cases among the electorate. However, preparations were made for COVID-19 patient polling booths as a precautionary measure.
To uphold the integrity of the electoral process, 615 micro observers were deployed across the state, including 155 for vulnerable areas and 417 for critical zones, every aspect of the electoral process is under vigilant scrutiny. Additionally, 43 micro observers have been kept on reserve for the comprehensive coverage of monitoring efforts.
The crackdown on illegal activities saw a significant seizure of ₹18,37,89,509, worth of illicit arms and amunition and alcohol with cash amounting to ₹8,91,24,241. Sain assured continuous updates, with updates scheduled every two hours on the latest developments.
In a historic move, the election witnessed the imposition of binds on candidates in Longding and TIRAP districts, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards misconduct. Sain warned of potential disqualification if such infractions were repeated, underscoring the commitment to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process.
As Arunachal Pradesh gears up for its elections, the narrative echoes a tale of peace, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles.