DEO Kupwara holds interactive session with Sector, Zonal Magistrates

Kupwara, Sep 26: To review election preparedness ahead of the Assembly elections in Kupwara district on October 1st, District Election Officer (DEO) Ayushi Sudan convened a review meeting and interactive session with Zonal Magistrates, Sector Magistrates, and Sector Police Officers at the meeting hall of the DC Office Complex today.

The session aimed to ensure a robust election process and emphasized the critical role these officers play in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

The DEO stressed the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and instructed the magistrates to ensure impartiality in their duties. She highlighted the need to monitor and address any instances of electoral malpractice and to report to the concerned authorities in a timely manner.

She noted that magistrates are vital to the smooth functioning of assembly elections, ensuring that the democratic process is carried out efficiently, securely, and fairly on poll day and prior to the polls.

She further stated that their responsibilities are integral to the electoral process, especially in maintaining law and order and addressing any issues that may arise at polling stations.

The DEO also called on the officers to remain vigilant and to be in sync with the latest protocols and procedures mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In case of any significant issues, such as malfunctioning of EVMs, disruptions to the voting process, or law and order disturbances, magistrates are the first emergency responders and must take immediate action and report to higher election authorities.

She emphasized that magistrates act as points of contact between polling officials at polling stations and election authorities, and they must establish contacts and maintain close coordination with all agencies in the area.

The DEO directed the concerned magistrates to visit all their allotted polling stations by tomorrow and to take a first-hand appraisal of AMFs, security concerns, and any shortcomings, reporting back accordingly. She emphasized the crucial importance of submitting error-free voter turnout reports every two hours on the day of the poll.

Sameer Jan, Special Nodal Officer for elections, provided insights to the magistrates for a seamless voting process on the day of the election and prior to it. He urged them to participate in training sessions to familiarize themselves with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other processes without fail.