Ensuring Voter Confidence: CEO Sibin C’s Vigilance for Transparent Elections in Punjab

Ensuring Voter Confidence: CEO Sibin C’s Vigilance for Transparent Elections in Punjab

In a bid to ensure transparent and fair Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C convened a high-level review meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners, and SSPs. The meeting, held via video conferencing, aimed to meticulously assess the election-related arrangements across the state ahead of the polling scheduled for June 1, 2024.

During the meeting, CEO Sibin C emphasized strict adherence to the directives issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He directed the top district officials to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) rigorously, deploying Flying Squads, Excise teams, and strengthening border check posts to prevent the influx of illicit liquor, cash, drugs, arms, and freebies into the state.

Acknowledging the potential challenges posed by the prevailing heat wave, Sibin C underscored the importance of ensuring adequate facilities at all polling stations. He urged officers to formulate micro-level plans to achieve the electoral target of ‘Iss Vaar 70 Paar’ by facilitating a seamless voting process.

The CEO stressed the need to create a voter-friendly environment at polling booths, including provisions for Voter Assistance Booths and special arrangements for different categories of voters such as PWDs. He mandated the availability of at least one wheelchair at each polling station to facilitate PWD voters.

Furthermore, Sibin C reiterated the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of all candidates and maintaining law and order during the electoral process. He reviewed the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other security arrangements to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

In addition to assessing the preparations for polling day, the CEO also reviewed arrangements for postal ballots, security measures at strong rooms, and CCTV/videography setups as per ECI guidelines. He emphasized the deployment of micro-observers at counting centers and proper sanitation and security measures at these venues.

Sibin C instructed officers to ensure real-time data entry of voter turnout in ENCORE and timely reporting to the CEO’s office through the designated website for efficient polling data collection.

Special Director General of Police for Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, emphasized the need for a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. He called upon the district police officers to ensure free and fair elections, devoid of intimidation or inducements, while maintaining law and order across the state.

The meeting, attended by Additional CEOs Harish Nayar & Abhijeet Kaplish, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, and other senior officers of the CEO office, underscored the commitment of the electoral machinery to conduct transparent and credible elections in Punjab.

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