West Siang district leads with women-centric pink polling stations in Arunachal panchayat elections

The State Election Commission of Arunachal Pradesh commenced polling for Panchayat and Municipal elections today, December 15, across all 27 districts and the capital region, with voting beginning at 7 a.m. Sharp attention has been drawn to West Siang district, where women-centric “Pink Polling Stations” are being successfully implemented to enhance female participation in the democratic process.

At Karbak Boyor village, under the 8A Kamba Zilla Parishad segment of the 27 Liromoba constituency, a dedicated Pink Polling Station was established. These booths, managed entirely by women staff—including polling officers and security personnel—aim to create a supportive and secure environment for women voters.

Statewide, a total of 245 Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) seats are at stake. Of these, 59 seats were elected uncontested, while the remaining 186 seats, involving 439 candidates, went to polls today. In urban local body elections, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) has 20 seats, with four decided uncontested and 16 being contested by 39 candidates. Meanwhile, the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) is witnessing competition for all eight seats, with 21 candidates in the fray.

The Pink Booth initiative, launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is designed to encourage women voters, empower women by giving them full responsibility for managing polling operations, and provide voter-friendly facilities such as separate waiting areas, creches, and selfie points to enhance the voting experience.

Counting of votes is scheduled for December 20, 2025.