J-K: EC concludes review of poll preparedness

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) Mar 5 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora-led Election Commission of India (ECI) team concluded its two-day review of poll preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the state government, the team met representatives of various political parties and noted their issues and concerns regarding free, fair and ethical elections. The team also reviewed the work of District Election Officers, SPs/Commissioner of Police, Divisional Commissioners and IGs and discussed election preparedness with Chief Secretary, DGP and other nodal officials of the state.
During the meeting, several issues were discussed including electoral roll, polling and security arrangements, expenditure monitoring, etc.
Almost all political parties urged for early parliamentary and assembly elections in the State, noted the press statement adding that the recent turnout in the panchayat and ULB elections suggested that general population in the State wished to have their democratically elected government in place.
CEC Arora said, “Commission is committed to deliver free, fair, peaceful, transparent, ethical and inclusive elections. The Commission attaches prime importance to ensure a conducive environment for conducting elections in the state keeping in view the specific concerns of the state. An effective mechanism is being fine-tuned for smooth conduct of the electoral process.”
“The Commission has directed the state level and district level election machinery to meticulously coordinate all logistic arrangements for smooth conduct of elections and make comprehensive action plans so as to instil absolute confidence in all stakeholders. Officers have been asked to ensure effective monitoring and vigilance,” he added.
“The administration in the districts where infiltration is more, they were of the opinion that they can hold the elections. There is a healthy sign for conducting elections in the state,” he added.
According to the Chief Election Commission, VVPATS will also be used at all polling booths along with EVM for the first time in the forthcoming elections. CEO had already been directed that VVPAT awareness campaign should be conducted well.
On a question whether assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state will be held simultaneously or not, CEC said, “the Commission had discussions with the Chief Secretary, DGP, Union Home Secretary and all political parties. We will consider everything and inform about the decision at a press conference in Delhi.” (ANI)