Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Special Election Observers review poll preparation of 4 districts
Says, all polling stations will have webcasting
Gurpreet Singh Mandiana
Moga, February 11, 2022: Special Election Observers sent by the Election Commission of India to review the preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections held meeting with Election Observers, District Election Officers, and District Police Chiefs of four districts (Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Muktsar Sahib) in Moga today.
Special General Observer Vinod Zutshi IAS (Retd.) and Special Police Observer Rajni Kant Mishra IPS (Retd.) made it clear that following the instructions of the Election Commission of India, every effort should be made to conduct this election fair, transparent and in a fear-free environment.
He said that every polling station should be closely monitored. No mischievous element should be spared. Every effort should be made to prevent possible untoward incidents at polling stations.
"Webcasting of every polling station would be done by the Election Commission of India. Where there is a problem with webcasting, make sure to have videography done. Every activity of such elements should be monitored 24 hours a day," he added.
He said that there should be an adequate police force with the sector officers so that they would be able to face any untoward situation. They should have a list of mischievous elements and voters who can be influenced by them. He expressed happiness that to date no candidate has given his/her worry list.
He said that the police were fully aware of which mischievous miscreants could spoil the atmosphere. Police action should be taken immediately on any untoward incident. There should also be a local officer with the central police force.
Mobile police teams keep moving. He also advised installing CCTV cameras outside sensitive polling stations. Only vehicles with GPS facilities should be used for transporting electronic voting machines (EVMs).
He said that special attention should be paid 48 hours before the elections and on the day of polling. Police Nakas should be set up 24 hours a day and should be videographed. Ensure that Central Police Force is deployed in the flying squads.
He said that efforts should be made to resolve the election-related grievances on a priority basis. All polling stations must have all the basic facilities. Full facilities should be provided to the postal ballot paper service recipients, PWD voters, and covid affected voters.
He clarified that at present roadshows and any moving activities are not allowed. He said that voters should be given copies of voter instructions along with voter slips. Ensure that voter Epic cards are distributed to all voters.
Earlier, all the District Election Officers, Election Observers, and District Police Chiefs presented details of election preparations in their respective districts. Special Observers expressed satisfaction.
Apart from the above Inspector General of Police Ferozepur Range Pardeep Kumar Yadav was also present on the occasion.