DEO Poonch reviews poll preparations for Assembly Elections

POONCH, SEPTEMBER 23: District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, Vikas Kundal today convened a crucial meeting to review preparations for the Assembly Elections scheduled for September 25, 2024.

During the meeting, the Returning Officers (ROs) apprised the DEO about the preparations, emphasizing the importance of strong coordination among election teams. The DEO urged officials to ensure seamless operations on polling day and instructed the ROs and Sector Magistrates to conduct final inspections of polling stations. He stressed the need for essential facilities, such as ramps for differently-abled voters, adequate water supply and CCTV installations.

The DEO also reviewed the security arrangements, which include heightened surveillance at sensitive polling stations and the deployment of additional security forces to prevent disturbances and voter intimidation. He highlighted the importance of accountability and real-time reporting from Sector Magistrates during the election to promptly address any irregularities.

The meeting further discussed the deployment of trained polling staff and mock polling sessions to ensure familiarity with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Special initiatives to engage first-time voters were outlined, focusing on creating a welcoming environment at polling stations.

SSP Poonch, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), senior officers, along with Sector Magistrates and Returning Officers (ROs) from constituencies of Surankote, Haveli and Mendhar attended the meeting.