SHILLONG : Meghalaya is stepping up preparations for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election, with the state administration directed to address gaps in basic facilities at polling stations ahead of the Election Commission of India’s announcement of the election schedule.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr B.D.R. Tiwari on Thursday said the state was fully prepared to conduct the bye-election whenever the Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the date.
Speaking to reporters after a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, Tiwari said the meeting focused on ensuring that all polling stations were equipped with the necessary assured minimum facilities well in advance.
He said departments concerned had been instructed to identify and address shortcomings at polling stations, while arrangements were also being made to ensure adequate mobile network coverage through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and telecom service providers.
The review covered essential facilities, including drinking water, toilets, furniture, ramps for persons with disabilities, electricity supply and temporary power connections through the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).
Departments such as Public Health Engineering (PHE), Education, Rural Development and Power were involved in the discussions.
Tiwari said the Chief Secretary had directed all concerned departments to take up the required work on a priority basis to ensure that polling stations were ready before the election process begins.
On the timing of the bye-election, the CEO said the decision rested entirely with the Election Commission of India and declined to speculate on when the poll would be announced.
He explained that bye-elections are normally conducted within six months of a vacancy arising, although the Election Commission may take additional time depending on prevailing circumstances and technical considerations.
Tiwari also pointed out that conducting a bye-election is not mandatory if less than one year of the remaining term of the House is left.
He said the election process would follow the schedule announced by the ECI, covering the notification, filing and withdrawal of nominations, campaigning and counting of votes.
On election preparedness, the CEO said identification of the required manpower had already been completed and that an established system and procedure were in place to manage the electoral exercise.
Reiterating the state’s readiness, Tiwari said Meghalaya would proceed with the bye-election as soon as the Election Commission announces its decision.