Tue Nov 12 15:29:44 UTC 2024: ## Malappuram Gears Up for Wayanad Lok Sabha Election

**Malappuram, November 12, 2024:** The eastern part of Malappuram district is all set for the upcoming Wayanad Lok Sabha election, with nearly six lakh voters expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday. Polling booths have been set up across the three Assembly segments of Nilambur, Wandoor, and Eranad, which are part of the Wayanad constituency.

A total of 595 polling booths, including 25 auxiliary booths, have been arranged. Voting will commence at 7 am and continue until 6 pm, with mock polling scheduled for 5:30 am. Polling equipment was distributed on Tuesday, with officials working diligently to set up the booths and ensure all necessary facilities are in place.

This includes ramps, toilets, and drinking water facilities at each booth. Nine model polling booths and nine women-only booths have also been arranged. To ensure transparency, the entire polling process will be webcast from all stations.

Security measures have been heightened, with 26 sensitive booths identified across 16 zones. These booths will receive enhanced security, with police personnel and central forces deployed. A total of 1,424 ballot units, along with 712 control units and 772 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines, have been arranged for the three Assembly segments.

Over 2,975 polling officials, including reserve personnel, will be on duty, with additional officials assigned to booths with more than 1,300 voters. Sector officers, micro observers, booth-level officers, route officers, and squad leaders will also be on duty.

To ensure a safe and secure election, approximately 2,500 police personnel, two companies of the Central force, and three companies of the armed police battalion will be deployed throughout the district. The district administration is confident that the elections will be conducted fairly and smoothly.

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