Election Observers review preparations for Assembly Elections in Poonch District

POONCH, SEPTEMBER 18: General Election observers for Poonch district, Solai Bharathi Dasan, Siddhartha Das, Rohan Kanay and Expenditure Observer Bharat Ramchandra Andhale conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Poonch district today. The high-level meeting, aimed at assessing the district’s electoral readiness, brought together key officials and observers, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair voting process in this border district on the 25th of September.

District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, Vikas Kundal delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation, briefing the observers on various aspects of election preparedness in the district. The presentation covered crucial areas such as the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, security arrangements, voter awareness initiatives, and logistical preparations for polling day.

The observers, drawing from their experience, shared valuable suggestions and guidelines to further strengthen the election machinery in Poonch. They stressed the importance of strict adherence to the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and the need for transparent and impartial conduct of all election-related activities. They emphasized the timely completion of all arrangements and, if necessary, the assurance of alternate arrangements.

Special attention was given to the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities being carried out in the district. The officials discussed strategies to increase voter turnout and ensure informed participation of citizens in the democratic process.

The meeting also touched upon the preparedness of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, the training of polling staff, and the arrangements at polling stations to facilitate smooth voting.

DEO Vikas Kundal expressed confidence in Poonch district’s readiness for the Assembly Elections 2024. He assured the observers that all necessary measures are being taken to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and to encourage maximum voter participation.

The meeting was attended by SSP Poonch Mumtaz Ahmad, ADC Poonch Tahir Mustafa Malik, ROs, and Nodal officers from all three assembly constituencies of Poonch district: Surankote, Haveli, and Mendhar.