Meghalaya, Oct 27: With the announcement of assembly election dates, the district administration, too, is gearing up to ensure free and fair polling as the election department is in full swing with its preparations.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), FR Kharkongor on October 26 informed that Advanced Preparations are in full swing. The CEO inspected polling stations in the Mawphlang constituency, including vulnerable and model Polling stations.

This time, the Form 12 D postal ballots are being revived for those above 80 and people with disabilities to facilitate the exercising of the franchise by senior citizens without going to polling stations.

About 300 senior citizens have opted for voting through 12 D postal ballots in all 3 Poll going ACs.

Kharkongor further informed that model code of conduct cases especially relating to violation of Covid 19 protocols are being taken cognizance of and show cause notices.

17 auxiliary polling stations in Rajabala, 7 in Mawryngkneng have been created to ensure that voters do not exceed 1000 keeping in mind the pandemic.

Four companies of CAPF, Home Guards & State police are being deployed as part of security arrangements.

It may be mentioned that there are a total of 8 vulnerable Polling stations in Mawryngkneng, 10 at Mawphlang, and 29 in Rajabala.