East Kameng district is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) elections scheduled for December 15, 2025, under the leadership of its newly appointed Deputy Commissioner, Mary Ronya, who has assumed charge as the District Election Officer (DEO-PR).
In her first major review meeting since taking over, DC Mary Ronya chaired a coordination session with all Administrative Officers, Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), sectoral officers, and other stakeholders at the DC’s conference hall in Seppa.
Focus Areas of the Review Meeting
The meeting deliberated on critical aspects of election preparedness, including:
- Finalisation of polling stations and their rationalisation
- Training schedules for polling personnel
- Arrangement of EVMs (where applicable) and ballot papers
- Logistics for transportation, security, and communication in remote and snow-bound areas
- Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
- Voter awareness campaigns and facilitation for differently-abled and elderly voters
DC Ronya directed officials to ensure 100% error-free electoral rolls, complete mapping of polling stations, and timely procurement of election materials. She emphasised the need for seamless coordination among various departments to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections.
“East Kameng has challenging terrain and connectivity issues, especially with winter approaching. We must leave no stone unturned to ensure every voter can exercise their franchise without difficulty,” the DC stated.
Special attention was given to vulnerable and far-flung polling stations in areas like Bameng, Chayangtajo, and Pakke-Kessang, where additional security and assured minimum facilities (AMF) like drinking water, electricity, and waiting rooms will be provided.
Training and Capacity Building
A comprehensive training programme for presiding officers, polling officials, and sector magistrates has been scheduled in phases, with hands-on sessions on ballot paper management (as panchayat elections in Arunachal use ballot papers) and MCC compliance.
The district administration has also appealed to political parties and candidates to cooperate fully and adhere to expenditure limits and ethical campaigning practices.
East Kameng district comprises:
- 1 Zilla Parishad constituency (12 segments)
- Multiple Anchal blocks and Gram Panchayats across 13 administrative circles
With the filing of nominations set to begin soon, the district administration has geared up help desks and facilitation centres at circle headquarters to assist aspiring candidates.
The appointment of Mary Ronya as DC-cum-DEO (PR) marks a significant moment, as she becomes one of the few women officers to head election management in the hilly and strategically important East Kameng district. Her proactive approach has been widely appreciated by officials and community leaders alike.
As Arunachal Pradesh braces for simultaneous panchayat and municipal polls, East Kameng’s preparations reflect the state’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy even in the most challenging terrains.
(Source: India Today NE)
