PULWAMA — The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, reviewed election preparedness in Pulwama on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections set for September 18, 2024. The CEO emphasized the need for a transparent, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process, highlighting various initiatives to encourage voter participation.
During his visit, Pole chaired a meeting with key officials, including District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, P.D. Nitya and SSP Awantipora Aijaz Ahmad.
The meeting covered all aspects of election readiness, including security arrangements, polling staff training, and the establishment of 481 polling stations across the district’s four Assembly constituencies. Special polling stations have been set up to ensure accessibility for all voters, including the elderly and differently-abled.
Dr Qayoom provided a comprehensive presentation on preparations, detailing the deployment of electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPATs) and transportation plans. Law enforcement officials discussed the security measures in place, including special security teams and flying squads to maintain order.
In line with election readiness, the district also completed its first training session for 400 micro observers, who will be deployed at polling stations to monitor activities and report to the General Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). These observers are essential to ensuring the integrity and transparency of the voting process, closely watching polling activities on election day.
To further encourage voter engagement, the CEO led a Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program at Government Degree College Boys Pulwama.
The event featured a range of activities, including a painting competition on the “Right to Vote” and an essay competition on “India: A Democratic Nation.”
The SVEEP event concluded with cultural performances and the CEO honouring students for their contributions to promoting electoral awareness.
Pole stressed the importance of voter turnout and acknowledged local ASHA and Anganwadi workers for their efforts in promoting voter participation. The CEO urged all eligible citizens to vote and reiterated the commitment to a free and fair electoral process in Pulwama.
He also reviewed arrangements at the counting halls and strong rooms at Government Degree College for Women Pulwama to ensure that post-election processes run smoothly.
Dr Qayoom, on the other hand, called for a historic voter turnout in Pulwama, urging all residents to actively participate in the democratic process.
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