Distribution of polling materials begins in state; long queues witnessed in centers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The distribution of polling materials has started in the state. The distribution is being done at 43 centres. There is a huge rush at many centres. There are 1.46 lakh officials to control the polling. 2.71 crore voters in 140 constituencies will go to the polling booths tomorrow. About two lakh people have already done home voting.

Auxiliary booths are available only in Kannur, Kasaragod, Malappuram, Palakkad and Ernakulam to manage the rush. 2040 booths in the state are of a critical nature. There are 352 booths operated only by women officials and 37 booths manned by differently-abled officials. 884 booths will be model booths. 140 polling collection centres and 140 counting centres have been set up in the state at 43 locations.

Meantime, there are complaints that the election duty officers have not been able to vote at the facilitation centers set up at the training centers. Joint Council Chairman S Sajeev and General Secretary K P Gopakumar said that the voting is not taking place because the ballot papers have not been delivered to the facilitation centers.

The election commission said that they will deliver the ballot papers to the polling material distribution centers today and conduct the vote. However, during the rush to receive the polling materials and go to the booths, most of the employees will not be able to vote. This will be tantamount to denying the right to vote to government employees.

Voting booths should be set up in all taluks and facilities should be provided for the employees to exercise their right to vote. Employees of various service branches who have votes in Kerala are working in other states on election duty. They will return only after completing the election process. The joint council also demanded that they be restored the opportunity to vote by post as in the past.