Preparation for LS polls in J&K in full swing: CEO J&K

Srinagar, Feb 17: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said that preparations were underway in full swing for the elections to the five parliamentary seats in J&K to ensure maximum participation of voters.

Elaborating on the preparations, Pole said election materials were at different stages of readiness with various activities being completed.

He said that the training for stakeholders including Police, other security forces, and political parties had already been conducted.

“All EVMs have arrived in J&K, manpower for polling booths has been identified, and training will be conducted as per the election schedule when announced,” Pole said.

“India is a vibrant democracy and J&K is part of it. The parliamentary election will be held in five constituencies. While voter turnout in Jammu remains good, it remains less in Kashmir, particularly south Kashmir. Our aim is that the voting percentage should at least match the national average. In assembly polls in J&K, turnout is normally higher than parliamentary elections,” he said.

Pole expressed hope that more people would participate in the upcoming parliamentary polls in J&K.

He emphasised the media’s role in the electoral process, terming it the fourth pillar of democracy.

Pole said that the Election Commission had already outlined rules and regulations for the media.

“Today we held a training session for over 30 media personnel from print, electronic, and social media who were trained in person. Our training sessions are underway and the next meeting is likely in Jammu,” he said.

Pole said that the media had a huge duty and responsibility on its shoulders, and the physical training sessions were aimed at equipping journalists to cover the elections responsibly by being well-versed in the ECI guidelines and procedures.

Preliminary reports indicate that there could be around 8.7 million electors eligible to vote for the five Lok Sabha seats from J&K.

The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in April-May.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a one-day workshop for media personnel was organised on Saturday at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Dar-ul-Intikhab, Srinagar.

The programme was attended by representatives of major news outlets of J&K.

The participants were briefed about all the important aspects of media during the election process including the spread of information, disinformation, fake news, media certification, and monitoring committees.

The representatives were also apprised of the code of ethics for social media operations and regulations regarding the poll day coverage.

Pole inaugurated the session and stressed upon the crucial role of media as a watchdog for fair and transparent elections.

National-level master trainers Chand Kishore Sharma and Riaz Ahmed Butt imparted training on several topics including media centres, restrictions of exit and opinion polls, enforcement of model code of conduct, and other regulations.

Pole in his closing address apprised the participants of various election related aspects highlighting the need for a check on fake news and the role of media in ensuring a civil discourse both during and after the election processes.

Also emphasised upon was the importance of maintaining good practices and transparency to ensure peaceful and fair elections.