Srinagar, Apr 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pandurang K Pole (P K Pole) Thursday said that adequate arrangements have been placed to ensure free and fair elections during the 2nd phase of polls on Friday. People should use their right to cast the vote and participate in the largest democracy and take active part in the elections, he said.
CEO PK Pole told Rising Kashmir that almost major part of Jammu Parliamentary seat including Jammu, Samba, Reasi districts are in plains and some part of Rajouri district is hilly.
“We are committed to conducting free, fair, transparent, peaceful, and incident-free elections. The right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right for citizens, and everyone should exercise this right,” he said.
In his message, Pole said voting is not only a constitutional right but responsibility. People should choose their representatives from political parties and even they can press their NOTA option in respective polling stations.
Pole said people should use their right to cast the vote and participate in the largest democracy and take active part in the elections. They should come to the polling station and exercise their vote,” he said.
Additionally, training for polling personnel has already completed and we are expecting better turnout on Friday. The administration has ensured all necessary arrangements at polling booths, including water, electricity, separate washrooms, and other facilities,” he said.
In the Jammu constituency, approximately 1454 polling stations are equipped with CCTV cameras for live webcasting, connecting them to control rooms established at district and CEO offices. These cameras are strategically positioned to ensure they do not compromise the secrecy of the vote.
124 polling stations will feature dual cameras for comprehensive surveillance both inside and outside the premises. Additionally, approximately 2000 vehicles assigned to polling parties and sector officers will be outfitted with GPS systems, enabling real-time tracking to monitor movement and prevent overspeeding.
In areas where communication signals are weak, around 13 polling stations, suitable alternative arrangements have been made. This includes the provision of satellite phones, wireless sets, and special runners to ensure seamless communication and coordination.