Observers meet with candidates to ensure free, fair elections in AC Budhal

RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 10: In a move to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, the General Observer for Budhal Assembly Constituency (AC 86), Anurag Jayanti along with Expenditure Observer, Sidharth Kumar convened a crucial meeting with contesting candidates and their representatives. This meeting focused on key aspects of the electoral process in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s guidelines.

General Observer commenced the meeting by outlining the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), emphasizing the importance of strict compliance regarding permissions for vehicles, processions and public meetings. He further elaborated on the preparation and functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, encouraging candidates to actively participate in overseeing these processes to ensure transparency.

The meeting also provided clarity on the roles and responsibilities of polling agents, counting agents and election agents, stressing their critical involvement throughout the election.

An important mechanism termed the “worry list” was introduced, enabling candidates to report any concerns regarding unfair practices or procedural lapses directly to the observers for immediate attention.

Furthermore, the General Observer introduced candidates to the C-Vigil app, which allows voters to report MCC violations and the EMS app for EVM randomization. The SUVIDHA app was also highlighted as a tool to streamline the process for obtaining permissions.

Addressing the financial aspect of the elections, the Expenditure Observer Sidharth Kumar explained the strict guidelines on election expenditure.

Candidates were instructed on the required formats for expenditure reporting, the frequency of submissions, and the necessity of maintaining accurate financial records.

The candidates were also briefed on the mandatory documentation of bills and vouchers for all campaign-related expenses, including expenditures on paid news, which must be meticulously recorded.