“Role of presiding officers is vital to maintain integrity of electoral process”: DEO Harvinder Singh

Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 26 (ANI): The District Election Authority Doda conducted a comprehensive training session for presiding officers in the Conference Hall of the DC Office here and said that the role of presiding officers is vital to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

The session was led by the District Election Officer (DEO) Harvinder Singh. He thoroughly briefed the participants on their responsibilities during the election process.

The DEO emphasized the importance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, outlining the critical role of the Presiding officers in the election process.

“The role of presiding officers is vital to maintain integrity of the electoral process. Our goal is to ensure that every officer is well-prepared and understands his duties to facilitate a smooth election,” he added.

Nodal Officer for Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Deputy District Election Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Chief Planning Officer (CPO), and other officers/officials were also present. The master trainer provided additional insights into the election procedures.

The training covered various topics, including election protocols, voter assistance, handling electoral materials, and maintaining law and order at polling stations.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, according to the Election Commission of India. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.

In the 2014 Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party won 25 seats, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference won 15 seats, and the Congress secured 12 seats.

These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.