Cops, administration on their toes

More than 40,000 KCB voters would vote to elect eight new councillors for the board.

Given the tight schedule of Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) polls, both the police and election authorities are taking measures to ensure that the polls are held in a free and fair manner. Aarti Bhosale, the returning officer for KCB elections, has issued special instructions to polling officers.

On Sunday, more than 40,000 KCB voters would vote to elect eight new councillors for the board. As per the election schedule, counting would start at 10 pm Sunday night and results are expected by midnight. The tight schedule of polls would put extra strain on officials.

Bhosale, speaking to the media about preparations for the polls, said that more than 300 officials and 400 policemen would be involved in the process. Wards 1,4, 7 and 8 are deemed sensitive and extra men have been stationed there. “Instructions have been given to the staff to take all precautions to prevent any bogus voting. As the electoral rolls of KCB do not have photographs, all the 11 photo-identity cards recognised by the Election Commission of India can be used as valid identity proof,” he said.

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Every polling booth will have a female police constable who will be ascertaining the identity of burqa-clad women before allowing them to vote.

The returning officer said emergency contacts have been issued to each and every election staff who are instructed to call them in case of any law and order issue. Special squads will keep an eye on the process to prevent candidates from resorting to any unfair means to influence voters.

“The time for casting votes is between 7 am and 6 pm. We will start counting at 10 pm. Special bandobast has been made near PCB office to maintain law and order,” she said.

During the 2008 KCB, 65 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise.

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