Election Observer inspects Critical Polling Stations across border Fence in Poonch

POONCH, SEPTEMBER 7: To ensure 100 per cent voter turnout at critical polling stations located ‘Across the Fence’ along the Line of Control in Poonch district, General Election Observer for the 89-Haveli Assembly constituency, Solai Bharathi Dasan . Police Observer Rohan Kanay and District Election Officer (DEO) Vikas Kundal conducted a thorough inspection of these sensitive areas, tooday. This was the first-ever visit of any Election Observer to ensure necessary arrangements for the highly sensitive polling stations across the fence along the LOC in district Poonch.

The General Election Observer and the team visited Government High School Degwar Terwan, Government Middle School Bagyal Dara, Government PS Noorkote and some other polling stations located across the Fence along the LOC in Haveli Constituency. The district election authorities have created 12 polling stations across the fence in the district, classifying them as highly critical, and have made specialized alternative arrangements for voting in bunkers under sensitive conditions on Election Day.

The Observers visit aimed to ensure that all necessary arrangements were in place to facilitate a secure, transparent, and hassle-free voting process. Due to the sensitive nature of these polling stations, alternate arrangements have been made in secure bunkers to address any emergencies and prevent disruptions to the electoral process.
During the inspection, the Observer reviewed security protocols in collaboration with local law enforcement and security forces, stressing the importance of a robust security presence to protect both voters and polling staff. The facilities were checked for accessibility to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and elderly voters can cast their votes without barriers.

The Observers also focused on voter facilitation, inspecting the placement of clear signage and information boards intended to guide voters efficiently and minimize confusion.

During the visit, the Election Observers interacted with residents, educating them about the power and significance of their right to vote in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized the importance of participating in the electoral process, especially in border areas, and urged the villagers to come out in large numbers to cast their votes on Election Day.

The Election Observer Solai Bharathi Dasan, was accompanied by ADC Poonch Tahir Mustafa Malik, RO Haveli Assembly Constituency, Qadeer Ul Rehman, Dy. DEO Saleem Ahmed, DSP Mohammad Ajaz Choudhary, ARO Haveli Azhar Majeed and other officials from the district election authorities.