Polling for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the Civic bodies of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) began on Monday across Arunachal Pradesh, with 8,31,648 eligible voters set to exercise their franchise. Despite moderate turnout in the initial hours due to cold weather, officials expect voter participation to increase as the day progresses.
Security measures have been significantly ramped up across the state, with the State Election Commission (SEC) deploying over 40,000 security personnel and around 15,000 polling staff to ensure a peaceful election process. The vigil was especially tightened in the sensitive eastern Arunachal districts, including Tirap, Changlang, Longding, and Namsai, where comprehensive security arrangements were in place from early morning.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu was among the early voters, casting his ballot at the 11-Gyangkhar polling booth in Tawang district. Following his vote, he took to social media to encourage maximum participation from the public.
“I exercised my democratic right by casting my vote at the 11-Gyangkhar polling booth in the panchayat elections. I appeal to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to come out in large numbers and vote responsibly in the panchayat elections and for the Itanagar Municipal Corporation and Pasighat Municipal Council,” Khandu stated.
He further emphasised the importance of the polls, saying, “Your vote is crucial for strengthening grassroots democracy, promoting community development, and securing a better future for our children.”
The ruling BJP has already secured a significant advantage through numerous unopposed victories. The party has won 58 Zilla Parishad constituencies, while the National People’s Party (NPP) secured one seat uncontested. Furthermore, four BJP candidates were elected unopposed to the IMC, and a massive 5,037 BJP candidates for Gram Panchayat seats were declared winners without a contest.
The polls are currently being held for the remaining seats, with 440 candidates contesting for 186 Zilla Parishad seats. In the civic body elections, 39 candidates are vying for 16 IMC wards and 21 candidates are competing for eight wards of the PMC.
In terms of logistics, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used for the Municipal polls, while traditional ballot boxes have been deployed for the Panchayat elections. The SEC has announced that the counting of votes will take place on December 20.
Liyi Bagra, DC, Tirap District
