Special Election Observers review election preparations in the district

Ludhiana : Special Election Observers sent by the Election Commission of India to review the preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections held a meeting with Election Observers, District Election Officer, Commissioner of Police Ludhiana and SSPs of Ludhiana (Rural) and Khanna, through video conferencing today.Special General Observer Vinod Zutshi IAS (Retd), Special Police Observer Rajni Kant Mishra IPS (Retd) and Special Expenditure Observer Himlani Kashyap IRS (Retd) made it clear that following the instructions of the Election Commission of India, every effort should be made to conduct this election fair, transparent and in a fear-free environment.They said that every polling station should be closely monitored. No mischievous element should be spared.

Every effort should be made to prevent possible untoward incidents at polling stations.They said that webcasting of every polling station would be done by the Election Commission of India. Where there is a problem with webcasting, make sure to have videography done. Every activity of such elements should be monitored 24 hours a day.They said that there should be an adequate police force with the sector officers so that they would be able to face any untoward situation. They should have a list of mischievous elements and voters who can be influenced by them. They expressed happiness that to date no candidate has given his/her worry list. They stated that all candidates with criminal antecedents need to get them published in national level, state level and TV channels.They said that the police was fully aware of which mischievous miscreants could spoil the atmosphere. Police action should be taken immediately on any untoward incident. There should also be a local officer with the central police force. Mobile police teams keep moving.

He also advised installing CCTV cameras outside sensitive polling stations. Only vehicles with GPS facilities should be used for transporting electronic voting machines (EVMs).They said that special attention should be paid 48 hours before the elections and on the day of polling. Police Nakas should be set up 24 hours a day and should be videographed. Ensure that Central Police Force is deployed in the flying squads.They said that efforts should be made to resolve the election-related grievances on a priority basis. All polling stations must have all the basic facilities. Full facilities should be provided to the postal ballot paper service recipients, PWD voters and covid affected voters. They clarified that at present roadshows and any moving activities are not allowed. He said that voters should be given copies of voter instructions along with voter slips. Ensure that voter Epic cards are distributed to all voters.Special Observers expressed satisfaction over the poll preparedness in district Ludhiana.