Ramban, Aug 18: Returning Officer (RO) for Assembly Constituency -54, Ramban, (ACR) S. Harpal Singh, on Sunday convened an important meeting with representatives of various political parties to sensitize them regarding the extant rules and regulations governing the ongoing General Election for the Legislative Assembly in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Similar meeting was also conducted by the Returning O/fficer AC-55 Banihal, (SDM) Rizwan Asgar at Banihal.
These meeting were part of a series of engagements planned by the district administration under the guidance of District Election Officer, Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary to ensure the seamless conduct of the election, with a focus on voter education, security arrangements, and collaboration between political stakeholders and the administrative machinery.
Highlighting the arrangements made by the administration for ensuring free and fair elections, the ROs provided a comprehensive overview of the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He emphasized the significance of adhering to these protocols to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. They further reiterated the importance of a level playing field for all political entities participating in the election and assured that the administration is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of the election.
Representatives from different political parties actively participated in the discussion, raising various queries related to the election process. The issues ranged from logistical concerns to clarifications on specific guidelines. The ROs attentively addressed these concerns, providing clarity on the provisions of the electoral code of conduct and addressing any doubts that were raised.
One of the key points highlighted during the meeting was the deployment of advanced surveillance measures at polling stations. The ROs informed the political representatives that all polling stations in the constituency would be equipped with webcams, ensuring that real-time monitoring via CCTV surveillance is in place. This measure aims to enhance transparency and safeguard the electoral process against any malpractices.
The political representatives expressed appreciation for the District Administrations’ proactive engagement and the clear communication of the election guidelines. The meetings concluded with a shared commitment to uphold democratic values and ensure that the upcoming election is conducted smoothly, respecting the rule of law.
AROs, Nodal Officers besides other concerned attended the meetings.
