Observers take stock of poll preparedness
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, February 08 2022:
Ahead of the first phase of assembly polls on February 27, general observers, expenditure observers and police observers held a meeting on Tuesday with the district administration of Imphal West to review the district's preparedness.
The meeting held at the Kombirei Hall of the DC Complex, Imphal West was attended by Geheral observers - Jang Bahadur Yadaj Lalzirmawia Chharigte, Sarita Yadav, Ritendra Narayan and Basu Roy Choudhury; expenditure observers Mrityunjoy Barnwal, Mohit Kumar Nigam, Anand Prakash Upadhyay and Pavan Kumar Beerla; and police observer Kumar Gautam.
During the meeting, district election officer/DC Th Kirankumar briefed the observers and made a power-point presentation to highlight the steps taken up by the district administration for free, fair and smooth conduct of the polls in the district.
He highlighted the overall preparations undertaken in the district including transportation of EVMs, polling personnel, use of WPAT, training for polling personnel, etc.
The DEO also showed a brief video to highlight how colour coded vehicles will be utilised for the first time for transportation of polling personnel, etc.
Imphal West Superintendent of Police (SP) Ksh Shivakanta also highlighted security measures taken up as part of the poll preparation.
The observers on their part highlighted that despite being located at the centre of the city, previous records show that both 9-Thangmeiband AC and 10-Uripok AC have showed lower poll percentage as compared to other constituencies.
The observers instructed the district administration to take up steps to boost voter turnout in the forthcoming election.
The observers also highlighted the need to ensure adequate supply of vehicles for officers on election duty for all teams like the Video Surveillance, Flying Squad, etc., so that there will be no hindrances in reaching even the remotest part of the district.
Another main concern of the observers was the issue of COVID vaccination and said that the district administration must ensure at-least double dose vaccination of all those engaged in poll activities including political agents of candidates before the actual date of poll.
The meeting was also attended by returning officers (ROs) and nodal officers among others.