Assembly elections: DEO Bandipora reviews poll preparedness

Bandipora, Aug 19: In preparation for the upcoming legislative assembly elections, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri on Monday convened a review meeting with ROs and election nodal officers to ensure that all aspects of election preparedness are thoroughly addressed and to facilitate a smooth and efficient electoral process in the district.
The meeting discussed various aspects of the election preparedness including status of polling stations, MCC guidelines, responsibilities and preparedness of ROs, training of poll staff, transport management, SVEEP activities, Expenditure Monitoring, Welfare Measures, pink polling stations, functioning of control rooms, MCMC and communication plan etc.
Reviewing the current status and readiness of all polling stations in the district, the DEO asked the officer to ensure that each station meets the necessary requirements and is adequately equipped to handle the election process.
Emphasising the implementation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines, the DEO directed to ensure that all election-related activities are conducted in a fair and impartial manner and stressed the adherence to ECI guidelines for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The DEO also examined the role and responsibilities of the Returning Officers (ROs), with a focus on their preparedness to handle election-related tasks efficiently.
He directed Nodal officer training to ensure that the staff is well-trained for the smooth operation of polling stations and for addressing any issues that may arise during the election besides stressing on proper transport management for movement of material and poll staff.
Reviewing ongoing SVEEP activities, the DEO stressed to enhance SVEEP activities in order to educate voters and encourage their participation in the electoral process.
He stressed the importance of meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a smooth electoral process and conducting a free, fair and transparent elections besides emphasizing Election Nodal Officers to work diligently and with dedication for successful execution of election related assignments.
Among others, the meeting was attended by ADDC/ Nodal Officer Law & order Mohammad Ashraf Bhatt, Nodal officer MCC Zaffar Husson Shawal, RO 15-Bandipora Shabir Ahmad Wani, DyDEO Mohammad Rafeeq Bhatt, RO 14- Sonawari Aamir Choudhary, Election Nodal Officers and other concerned.
SDM Gurez/RO 16- Gurez also attended the meeting in virtual mode.