Ensure no eligible voter is left out of panchayat poll process: Observer

Election Observer Bhupinder Singh urged the government personnel deputed on election duty to ensure no eligible voter of all rural localities was deprived of his right to use his right to vote freely without any coercion or discrimination.

Officials led by the Additional District Election Officer, Navdeep Kaur, Assistant Commissioner Gurmit Bansal and SDMs Harbans Singh and Surinder Kaur assured the observed no stone would be left unturned to make the democratic process of polling comfortable, safe and free for all voters who intend to cast practice their right to vote at their respective polling booths on October 15.

Having reviewed arrangements made by the administration regarding safe custody of ballot boxes and ballot papers, besides preparedness of polling staff during rehearsals, the election observer held a parley of meetings with senior functionaries for illustrating guidelines of the State Election Commission on the subject.

EO Bhupinder Singh emphasised that any complaints received during the whole process of electioneering should be responded to and reported according to the existing instructions.

Addressing a meeting at the district election office, he said, “Having learnt about the detailed instructions of the State Election Commission, all concerned should ensure that all guidelines are followed in letter and spirit.”

He advised the district authorities to make proactive arrangements for saving the sanctity of the election process by making the process smooth, fair, transparent and pleasant for the electorate.

“All officials should conduct these elections in such an impartial manner that public trust in the electoral process and democracy is perpetuated,” he said.