Shillong Feb 2: In the elections to the two Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) – Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), a total of 9,84,477 voters will exercise their franchise on the polling day fixed on February 27.

Votes will be counted on March 2.

Commissioner and Secretary in-charge District Council Affairs department, Tining Dkhar said that the KHADC has a total of 7,35,143 voters which include 4.11 lakh female, and 3.83 lakh male voters.

The JHADC has a total of 2,49,334 voters – 1.28 lakh female and 1.20 lakh male voters.

The KHADC and JHADC have 29 constituencies each.

Among the constituencies of KHADC, Mawlai registered the highest number of voters with 44,296 voters while Laban-Mawprem constituency registered the least with 12,575.

However the Rymbai-Khliehriat constituency with 14,147 voters registered the highest number of voters and Saipung constituency has the least number of voters just 5,430.

There are 1,433 polling stations spread across the 29 constituencies of KHADC while the 29 constituencies of the JHADC have just 408 polling booths.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used for conducting the polls but without attaching the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trials (VVPATs).

For the first time, the ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ button is being introduced in the EVMs for conducting the polls. Altogether, 2,745 EVMs will be used.

Meanwhile the model code of conduct will come into force from Saturday as a notification for the polls will be issued by the Meghalaya government through the District Councils Affairs department.

Under the model code of conduct, fresh release of funds under MLA or MP schemes, issue of work order by the ADCs, inauguration, laying of foundation, announcement of new schemes have been kept on hold till the elections are over.

But issuing of tender for works and constructions under Central or state sponsored programmes has been exempted.

On Saturday filing of nominations will also begin and the last date for filing of nominations is February 7. Scrutiny of nomination papers is February 8 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 9.

Rs 10.78 crore has been estimated for conducting the polls and the amount will be adjusted from royalty shares that the two district councils received from the state government.

On security measures to ensure free and fair conduct of polls, a review meeting to discuss issues related to preparedness will be chaired by Chief Secretary, Y Tsering on February 11.

The meeting will be attended by the Director General of Police (DGP) R Chandranathan and other officials.

Commissioner and Secretary in-charge district council affairs, Tining Dkhar said that amendments have been also brought in connection with the ceiling for election expenditure to be incurred by the candidates which got the approval of the governor.

The security deposit has been raised from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 and the expenditure for each candidate has been increased from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

The respective deputy commissioners who also are the returning officers have been asked to strictly enforce the model code of conduct and take measures to curb the use of money power to woo voters and take immediate action based on reliable information if the code of conduct is violated.

Carrying of cash above Rs 50,000 by contesting candidates or their supporters has also been prohibited.