GANDERBAL, OCTOBER 12: District Election Officer (DEO) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal today chaired a meeting of concerned officers to discuss various measures regarding the smooth conduct of upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) bye-elections in the district.
It was informed in the meeting that the panchayat by-election is going to be held in 119 panchayats of the district consisting of 726 polling stations at 253 locations and will be completed in 7 phases. It was also informed that 42 sarpanch seats and 689 panch seats are lying vacant in the district.
SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ACR, Dy. DEO besides other designated nodal officers were present in the meeting.
During the meeting threadbare discussion was held on security arrangements, establishment of 24*7 control room, facilities at polling stations, communication plan, poll staff arrangements, availability of masks and hand sanitizers at polling stations, transport management and other relevant arrangements.
Speaking on the occasion, the DEO stressed on working in coordination and synergy besides directed for making all the requisite arrangements well in advance.
He also exhorted to ensure all basic facilities at each designated polling station including availability of face masks and hand sanitizers on polling day and emphasized to assure elections are conducted in free, fair and transparent manner.
Meanwhile, the DEO also convened a meeting of the representatives of various recognized National/Regional political parties and discussed various issues for the smooth conduct of Special Summary Revision of Municipal Electoral Roll and continuous updation of Panchayat Electoral Roll with the aim that no eligible voter to be left behind unregistered.
The DEO also highlighted various features and arrangements put in place for upcoming bye elections and sought their cooperation for conducting free and fair bye elections.
