Election Commission Reviews Poll Preparations for Haryana Assembly Elections 2024

Election Commission Reviews Poll Preparations for Haryana Assembly Elections 2024

In a detailed review meeting held on September 23, the Election Commission of India assessed the ongoing preparations for the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 with senior officials from 11 districts. The meeting in Gurugram included divisional commissioners, IG police range officers, deputy commissioners, district election officers (DEO), police commissioners, SPs, municipal commissioners, general observers, police observers, and expenditure observers. The commission evaluated the implementation of directives issued during their visit to the state in August 2024.

The high-level team was led by Deputy Election Commissioner Hridesh Kumar, Secretary K.P. Singh, Principal Secretary Avinash Kumar, and Principal Secretary S.B. Joshi. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Haryana, Pankaj Aggarwal, and State Police Nodal Officer Saurabh Singh were also present. The meeting reviewed the electoral and administrative preparations, focusing on ensuring free and fair elections across the state.

During the review, the Commission reiterated the importance of removing deceased or transferred voters from the voter list and creating an environment conducive to higher voter turnout. Instructions were given to DEOs to ensure polling booths are accessible and to address complaints related to electoral processes swiftly. The commission also stressed the need for providing essential facilities at polling stations, including proper seating arrangements and rest areas for voters waiting in line.

Key highlights of the review included directives for marking voter lists and preparing lists of Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, or Deceased (ASD) voters. Additionally, the Commission reviewed the timeline for distributing voter slips and EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) cards, instructing officials to complete distribution by September 30. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were tasked with ensuring the proper execution of this process. The Commission also emphasized that voter lists provided to candidates must match the updated marked voter lists.

Officials were directed to personally inspect polling stations and ensure all necessary resources are available. Each polling center must establish voter assistance booths to guide citizens, and sensitive areas should be equipped with extra security measures and cameras to ensure effective monitoring.

In the realm of law and order, the police officers briefed the Election Commission about security arrangements. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the deployment of central forces but emphasized better monitoring of border areas through coordination with neighboring states’ police forces. They also called for setting up interstate mirror checkpoints along the state borders to maintain stringent security.

The team reviewed the functioning of flying squad teams, static surveillance teams, and discussed enhancing the enforcement of seizure activities, particularly in districts like Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat. Officials assured the Commission that effective measures would be taken to improve surveillance and seizure operations.

Special attention was given to preparing polling stations, including themed polling stations such as “Pink Booths,” which are managed entirely by women, youth-managed polling centers, and booths operated by persons with disabilities (PwDs). The Election Commission urged officials to ensure proper accommodations, meals, and healthcare for polling parties during their deployment.

Additionally, the Commission stressed the importance of making the voting process easier for senior citizens (85 years and older) and differently-abled individuals by offering home voting options, in the presence of polling agents, with videography of the entire process. The team also reviewed preparations for vote counting centers and the training of election personnel.

Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Aggarwal highlighted that special provisions would be made for home voting for senior citizens and PwDs, and their transportation needs would be met where necessary.

the Election Commission emphasized maximizing voter turnout through local and state-level efforts. Plans for managing polling station queues, election logistics, and enhancing voter percentages were reviewed. The meeting included districts such as Faridabad, Nuh, Palwal, Gurugram, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Rohtak, and Sonipat.

#HaryanaElections2024 #ElectionCommissionReview #FreeAndFairElections #VoterTurnout #ElectionPreparation #PollingBooths