In a significant step towards strengthening electoral processes, the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission (MPSEC) and the Jammu and Kashmir State Election Commission (JKSEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the upcoming urban body elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under this agreement, MPSEC will supply essential election equipment and conduct training for polling officials, an official announced on Monday. The MoU was formalised during the 31st National Conference of State Election Commissioners, currently being held at Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district.
The agreement aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the election process in Jammu and Kashmir by leveraging Madhya Pradesh's electoral innovations and resources.
7,000 EVMs and training for polling officials
As per the agreement, MPSEC will provide 7,000 electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other necessary election equipment to Jammu and Kashmir for the urban body polls. Additionally, MPSEC will conduct training sessions for polling personnel to ensure smooth and efficient election management.
A senior official stated that efforts will also be made to introduce innovative electoral practices from Madhya Pradesh in Jammu and Kashmir. One such initiative includes the pilot implementation of paperless booths in select locations, which could set a precedent for future elections in the region.
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Officials present at the signing ceremony
The MoU was signed by MPSEC Secretary Abhishek Singh and JKSEC Secretary Sushil Kumar, in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Election Commissioner Manoj Srivastava.
During the event, state election commissioners from various regions also observed a demonstration of Madhya Pradesh's paperless booth model, showcasing advancements aimed at making the voting process more seamless and environmentally friendly.
This collaboration marks a crucial step in modernising election procedures and fostering inter-state cooperation in electoral management.
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