Phase 1 polls: Interesting facts

It is the world's biggest democratic elections ever! And here are some interesting facts about the first phase of polling that began on April 16, 2009.

Lakshadweep

• 105 polling booths accessible by boats only
• EVMs were carried to Minicoy Island by helicopter

Andaman Nicobar Island

• The Andaman Nicobar group of Islands is one constituency and is 700 Km long. Many places require 35-40 hours journey by ships. Poll personnel to some places have been dispatched by helicopter.

Arunachal Pradesh

• 4 Polling stations i.e., 13-Lumta and 12-Pakke under Kessang (ST) Assembly Segment, 40-Mramboo under 41-Anini (ST) Assembly Segment and 35 - Upper ModoiDeep under 49-Bordumsa-Diyum Assembly Segment each have 3 voters respectively.
• Many polling parties in Tawang, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subanisiri, upper Siang, Mechuka, Dibang Valley, Anjaw, etc. have reached their polling station by foot for 3 to 4 days from nearest helipad/ road head.
• 690 polling parties have been transported by helicopter to remote villages bordering Myanmar and China borders.
• Highest polling stations are located at Thinghbu (alt. 12,148 feet) and Mago (alt.12,248 feet) and Luguthand (alt.13,157 feet) which are also snow bound and located on the Indo-China border.

Assam

• Porters have been engaged for carrying the polling materials for 5 polling stations as it involves a 40 km trek through an area infested with wild elephants in Bokaijan District.