Ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 19, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive steps to ensure a smooth and fair voting process across multiple constituencies.
Over 350 poll observers have been appointed to oversee the elections, with a particular focus on 102 parliamentary constituencies spanning 21 states, as well as 92 assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
The ECI's preparation includes the deployment of 127 General Observers, 67 Police Observers, and 167 Expenditure Observers. All observers had reported to their designated constituencies by March 26, well ahead of the nomination deadline, indicating the Commission's proactive approach to managing the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, held a comprehensive briefing with the observers.
They emphasised the critical importance of having fully equipped polling stations, especially with amenities to manage the heat, as April can be particularly harsh in terms of weather.
The commissioners also stressed the importance of preventing any electoral inducements near polling areas and maintaining stringent law and order during the elections.
The Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, covering 543 seats, with subsequent polling dates set for April 27, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4. This staggered approach aims to manage the logistical demands of one of the largest democratic exercises in the world effectively.
Concurrently, assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are being held alongside the Lok Sabha polls. This simultaneous scheduling is a logistical challenge that the ECI is prepared to tackle with its significant observer and security deployments.
In a notable administrative change, the ECI has abolished the requirement for displaced individuals from the valley residing in Jammu and Udhampur to fill out Form-M, simplifying the voting process for Kashmiri migrants.
Those residing outside these areas will continue to use Form M but will benefit from the new provision allowing self-attestation, which removes the previous need for attestation by a Gazetted Officer.
Furthermore, the ECI announced a significant deployment of security personnel in the Marwah and Warwan areas of the Kishtwar District in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring security and order as part of the preparations for the upcoming elections.
This move underscores the ECI's commitment to a secure and inclusive voting process, ensuring that every eligible voter can participate without fear or hindrance.
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