Agartala, 6th November 2026 : With preparations gathering momentum for the upcoming urban local body elections in Tripura, the State Election Commission has deployed 33 election observers to oversee the electoral process and ensure transparency at every stage.
State Election Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty said on Friday that a briefing session was organised at the State Guest House, where the observers were familiarised with their responsibilities and field-level assignments. They are scheduled to leave for their respective jurisdictions on Friday evening and will remain present during the scrutiny of nomination papers.
Explaining their role, Chakraborty said the observers would maintain close supervision of election-related activities, interact with Returning Officers and inspect polling stations. They would submit approximately five reports to the Commission at different stages, covering nomination scrutiny, withdrawal of candidature, polling, counting and other relevant developments.
“Observers are the eyes and ears of the Election Commission. Their responsibility is to remain impartial, observe the entire process and report any violation of election rules, irregularities or incidents of violence. They are not authorised to issue directions to Returning Officers, though they may offer suggestions,” he said.
The observers will also monitor all polling stations under their respective jurisdictions and remain present until the completion of counting. Their reports and opinions will be sought if the Commission considers ordering a re-poll.
On the controversy surrounding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the State Election Commissioner maintained that the Commission was acting in accordance with the law. He pointed out that EVMs were being used for the third time in urban local body elections and dismissed allegations of violations of rules or statutory provisions.
Chakraborty also strongly rejected opposition allegations that candidates were prevented from filing nomination papers in Mohanpur and other locations. He said opposition representatives had submitted complaints verbally and in writing and had even staged a protest outside the Commission’s office.
However, he claimed that none of the concerned Returning Officers had reported any obstruction in the nomination process despite being in regular contact with the Commission over the past three to four days.
He further said that security personnel had been deployed at Returning Officers’ offices and along access routes to facilitate the submission of nomination papers by candidates of all political parties.
“The DGP has also confirmed that no police complaint has been received alleging assault or obstruction of candidates on their way to Returning Officers’ offices. Based on the feedback received from the concerned election officials, I consider these allegations entirely baseless,” Chakraborty said.
