Srinagar, Sept 26: Chief Electoral Officer J&K P K Pole on Thursday said that those days are gone when some groups had influence to disrupt democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to media after participating in a mega SVEEP programme here at Bandipora, Pole said that the elections are happening after many years, and people are eager to participate.
He said that the Lok Sabha elections over the past four years have been conducted peacefully, and he did not anticipate any interference this time either. “There were no incidents in which people were afraid, and the current atmosphere is much better,” he added.
On active participation of candidates, especially in areas like Bandipora and Sumbal Sonawari, Pole said that the turnout is expected to increase. “People in Gurez and Tulail are also showing enthusiasm,” he said, adding that efforts have been made to educate the public on the importance of voting through programs like the Forest Training Institute’s Sweep and Other Education Programmes.
He also said that the polling stations would be equipped with all necessary facilities to ensure a smooth voting experience. “We are going to provide all basic facilities at the polling station so that your experience is good and better,” he said.
Encouraging voters to mark October 1st as a key date, Pole urged them to come out and vote. “If you work hard in your village, locality, and town, come to the polling station and vote,” he said, adding that voting is both a right and a duty.
On peaceful elections, Pole credited the improvement in the overall situation to the efforts of security forces, local police, and the public. “Our forces, local police, and others have played an important role, but if people don’t believe the situation is good, no one else can do it,” he added.
With confidence in a strong turnout, Pole said that he hope voters will participate in the assembly elections just as they do in their daily lives.
