Preparations complete for Lok Sabha Elections in Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru: The district administration in Dakshina Kannada has finalized arrangements for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled on April 26, from 7 am to 6 pm. District Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, also serving as the District Election Officer, announced that 18,18,127 eligible voters, comprising 8,87,122 males and 9,30,928 females, are set to cast their votes across 1,876 polling booths in the region.

Muhilan disclosed details during a press conference, stating that among the polling booths, 72 fall under the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate’s jurisdiction, while 105 are under the District Police. Over 11,000 personnel have been deployed for election duties, with a notable 70 percent being women. Each polling booth will have at least two female staff members on duty.

To ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process, strict measures have been implemented. All political parties are required to cease open campaigning by 6 pm on April 24. Additionally, non-voters affiliated with political parties are prohibited from entering the constituency after this deadline. Both government and private sector employees have been granted compulsory leave with pay to facilitate voting on election day.

Regarding voter accessibility, special arrangements have been made. Over 17 lakh voters have been provided with voter slips, featuring QR codes for the first time in Mangaluru City South and North Assembly constituencies, enabling easy access to polling center information through scanning.

Furthermore, 72 model polling booths have been identified, featuring specialized facilities such as Sakhi booths, dedicated to women, and booths for disabled and youth voters. Webcasting will be conducted in 938 polling booths to ensure transparency.

For the smooth conduct of the elections, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines have been prepared, along with additional units kept in GPS-equipped vehicles.

After voting concludes, the security of EVMs, VVPATs, and related documents will be ensured at the counting center located at NITK Suratkal.

In light of maintaining law and order during the electoral process, a prohibitory order has been enforced from 6 pm on April 24 until 10 pm on April 26. This order restricts gatherings, processions, and meetings involving more than five people throughout the district.

Exceptions are made for essential activities such as cremations, marriages, and religious processions, provided they adhere to the election Model Code of Conduct.