JAMMU, July 28: In a significant development, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang Pole, has officially ordered the District Commissioners (DCs) of J&K to prepare for the upcoming elections of the Urban Local Bodies in Jammu and Srinagar. As per the order, the elections for Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) are most likely to be conducted by or before October this year.
The much-awaited Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are set to arrive in the Union Territory within the next 3-5 days. The CEO Pandurang Pole has directed the concerned officials to ensure safe storage and necessary arrangements for the EVMs.
“For Municipal Elections-M2 Type EVMs (BU & CU) will reach your district in 3-5 days and storing, FLC needs to be done,” states the official government order. The order has been issued to all the DCs of J&K by CEO.
To ensure a smooth election process, the CEO has also mandated a special revision of electoral rolls for both JMC and SMC.
“The draft of the electoral rolls is scheduled to be issued on August 1 and must be finalized by August 25,” DEO Rameshwar Kumar said.
The order further outlines instructions for the election officials, requiring them to lift the poll party-related material from ACEO and purchase additional material as per the standard size from GEM.
As per the order, to facilitate transparency and accessibility, the Election Registration Officers (EROs) are required to print 15 hard copies of the draft roll and distribute them among the concerned officials.
The term of the current JMC and SMC officials is set to expire in October this year, necessitating the conduct of elections before that time. The CEO’s order serves as a clear indication that the Urban Local Body elections are likely to be held by or before October this year.
In preparation for the upcoming polls, officials have been instructed to hold meetings and brief the concerned authorities about the entire process of municipal poll revision and other crucial aspects.
