First-time voters curious to exercise their vote: CEO

Kupwara, May 3: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole Friday said that first-time voters were curious to exercise their vote due to which a good voter turnout was expected on the Baramulla-Kupwara parliament seat which is going for polls on May 20.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating a live art exhibition under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Kupwara, he said that the youth would experience a cordial atmosphere at the polling stations on the day of polling.

Pole urged the youth to come out in good numbers and exercise their democratic right for the better future of the nation. He said that following the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the pace of preparations had been geared up.

“On the Baramulla-Kupwara parliament seat, 19 nominations have been received and by the end of Friday, a few more nominations are expected. For the Anantnag-Rajouri parliament segment, 20 nominations have been received while 24 candidates are in the fray on the Srinagar seat,” the CEO said.

“A good number of candidates contesting these elections reflect the enthusiasm about these elections,” he said.

Pole said that all arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of polls.

“We will have helpers, both for men and women, at each polling station,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kupwara district administration in a statement issued here said, “CEO P K Pole on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of preparations in Kupwara district for the Lok Sabha elections. The purpose of the visit was to assess the readiness of the district administration for the electoral process. The CEO was accompanied by the Police Observer, Baramulla, Lok Sabha constituency, Ravi Shankar.”

The statement said that on the occasion, the CEO chaired a meeting of Nodal Officers and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), wherein District Election Officer (DEO), Ayushi Sudan presented the comprehensive plan details of major components of the election preparedness through a presentation. She said that all arrangements for the upcoming elections in the district have been made.

“While appraising the chair, Sudan said that a contingency emergency evacuation plan and communication plan had been prepared for 75 polling stations of the district located at high altitude areas close to the Line of Control,” the statement said.

It said that she took a detailed assembly constituency-wise review of critical components of the ongoing election process including Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at polling stations, the scope of the plantation, dispatch and reception centres, transport plan, training and arrangements for poll staff, material management, manpower, SVEEP, Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Special Polling Stations, and media monitoring.

“Highlighting the significance of AMFs at polling stations, the CEO underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly. He emphasised the need for plantation drives at polling stations and open spaces by roping in the Forest and Social Forestry departments. He also emphasised providing basic facilities at all polling stations on the poll day,” the statement said.