STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Assam State Election Commission, on Tuesday, announced a two-phase election schedule for the areas under the BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council). The polling, on ballot papers, will be held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on December 7 and December 10, 2020. All COVID-19 protocols will be strictly followed during the election processes, stated a notification of the Commission.
After the term of the BTC General Council expired on April 27, 2020, the Council came under the Governor's Rule.
The BTC comprises 40 constituencies across the four districts of Baksa, Udalguri, Chirang and Kokrajhar. These areas formerly known as 'BTAD' (Bodoland Territorial Area Districts) are now known as the 'BTR' (Bodoland Territorial Region).
On December 7, polls will be held in the constituencies under Baksa and Udalguri districts. Repolling, if any, will be held on December 8, 2020. During the second phase on December 10, elections will be held for the constituencies in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts. Repolling, if any, will be held on December 11. Counting of votes will be held from 8 am on December 12.
As per the earlier notification, the polls should have been organized on April 4, 2020 and the counting of votes was slated on April 8. However, the polls were deferred on March 20 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per this notification, the candidates filed their nomination papers and the scrutiny of these papers has been also completed, informed sources.
Talking to The Sentinel, Assam State Election Commission Secretary, PranjitGogoi said, "Altogether 3,146 polling stations will be set up across the BTR. Of the total 23, 82, 036 electors, while the male voters are 12, 03, 008; the female voters are 11,79, 020; besides eight 'Third Gender' voters.
"A total of 241 candidates are contesting. The process to print the ballot papers has started from today."