General Observers hold meeting with contesting candidates at Sopore

SOPORE, SEPTEMBER 19: Ahead of the phase-3 of the assembly elections, general observers for assembly constituencies Sopore, Rafiabad, Wagoora-Kreeri, and Pattan, Killu Siva Kumar Naidu and Ujjwal Kumar held a meeting with the contesting candidates, political parties and other stakeholders at Dak Bunglow Sopore.

During the meeting, the observers held an interactive session with the attending contesting candidates and representatives of political parties, addressing their queries and complaints towards ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the electoral process and fostering transparency in the upcoming assembly elections.

Meanwhile, the observers thoroughly informed the participants about the key elements of the Model Code of Conduct, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, the process of randomization for EVMs, and detailed guidelines on expenditure limits and the importance of maintaining meticulous expenditure accounts.

Killu Siva Kumar Naidu informed the participants about various ECI apps designed to enhance the electoral process, including the c-VIGIL app for reporting MCC violations, the EMS app for EVM randomization, the Suvidha app for candidate permissions and status monitoring, and the Saksham app for ensuring equal access for Persons with Disabilities.

Furthermore, Ujwal Kumar shared vital information about the upcoming second randomization of EVMs, scheduled for September 19, 2024, in Baramulla and strongly urged all contesting candidates and agents of political parties to attend the crucial process.

Additionally, both the observers emphasized the need for contesting candidates to thoroughly train their election agents, counting agents, and polling agents on ECI guidelines and advised them to go through the “Handbook for Candidates” issued by the Election Commission of India, which outlines essential guidelines and instructions for political parties and candidates.