The Tripura State Election Commission has deployed 74 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across the state to support peaceful polling in the upcoming Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The Commission reviewed election arrangements, including security, law and order, campaign restrictions and monitoring of the electoral process, during two meetings held on Wednesday.
The first meeting, conducted in hybrid mode, was attended by the Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), District Election Officers-cum-District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from different districts.
The Commission said security agencies and district administrations had taken measures to maintain normal law and order during the campaign and ensure a level playing field for political parties and candidates. CAPF personnel would be deployed before, during and after polling, while area-domination exercises and flag marches were being conducted in different districts.
District Magistrates, Collectors and SPs were directed to ensure a peaceful environment and build voter confidence so that people could cast their votes without fear or intimidation. Special arrangements were also made to facilitate the movement of representatives of participating political parties to their designated polling stations on polling day.
The Commission imposed restrictions under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The restrictions will remain in force from 4 pm on September 26 until 6 am on September 28, 2026.
The Commission directed strict compliance with the mandatory 48-hour silence period before polling concludes. Campaigning and canvassing will be prohibited during this period, while election-related content intended to influence voters will not be permitted through television, radio, cable networks, social media, digital platforms or print media within polling areas. News organisations were also advised against carrying debates, discussions, opinions, opinion polls or other content that could influence voters during the restricted period. Violations may attract penal action under applicable laws.
The Commission reiterated that loudspeakers could be used only between 6 am and 10 pm and directed authorities to prevent excessive noise from affecting children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. District Election Officers were also asked to ensure drinking water, electricity, essential furniture and other basic facilities at every polling station.
In a separate meeting, the Commission briefed election observers appointed for the Village Committee polls about their responsibilities. The observers will monitor the electoral process in their respective areas, focusing on transparency, uniformity and adherence to election rules, and submit reports to the Commission.
