Bhubaneswar: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, assured the public of elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the first phase of simultaneous elections in the state. The voting is scheduled to take place in Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Berhampur Lok Sabha seats along with 28 Assembly segments on May 13.
Addressing a press conference, CEO Dhal expressed confidence in the peaceful and smooth conduct of polling. He highlighted that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a positive voting experience for citizens.
“We have made all arrangements to provide a happy experience to the voters,” Dhal remarked.
Dhal also emphasized the balanced representation in the voters’ list, noting that the number of female voters exceeds male voters. Additionally, the list includes a substantial representation of youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and elderly citizens.
In the first phase, a total of 62,87,222 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise, comprising 30,97,527 male voters, 31,89,060 female voters, and 635 third gender voters. Notably, there are 1,75,134 first-time voters aged 18-19 and 14,68,504 young voters aged 20-29.
To facilitate the electoral process, 7,303 polling booths have been established, including 715 booths exclusively managed by women. Moreover, 1,276 ideal booths have been set up, with webcasting facilities arranged for 60 booths.
In terms of security, 52,500 polling staff have been employed, supported by a deployment of 104 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, 60 companies of armed police, 31 companies of CRPF, and 6 companies of CISF.
The CEO urged all voters from the four parliamentary constituencies to participate actively on May 13 and exercise their democratic right to vote.
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