Chandigarh, May 29:
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, held a video conferencing meeting on Thursday with the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana to review preparations for the bye-election to the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency.
During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to conduct the election process in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with the Act, Rules and Guidelines of the Election Commission of India. He directed the District Election Officer to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations, counting halls, and strong rooms. He also emphasized that 100% live webcasting from polling stations must be ensured for real-time monitoring.
To facilitate voters, Sibin C directed that Assured Minimum facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting areas, toilets, and heat protection measures etc at polling stations be ensured. He also called for strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Regarding strong room security, he instructed that robust surveillance systems must be implemented. He further emphasized prompt action on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct and swift redressal of related complaints. He instructed officials to maintain close watch on paid news and to ensure adequate food and accommodation arrangements for polling staff. To boost voter participation, he directed to intensify SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities.
The CEO instructed the Ludhiana Police Commissioner to enhance vigilance during the last 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to polling and until the conclusion of the election process. Orders were issued to increase security at checkpoints and to monitor the movement of outsiders in the constituency. He called for 24/7 CCTV surveillance to curb illegal transportation of drugs, liquor, cash, and other inducements.
The CEO stressed that any complaints of inducements such as cash or other materials to mislead voters must be dealt with immediately. He also directed the Police Commissioner to ensure robust deployment of security measures at critical polling stations, strong rooms, and counting centers.
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer and the Police Commissioner assured the Chief Electoral Officer that all necessary arrangements for the bye-election have been completed and that the election process will be conducted strictly in line with the Election Commission’s directions.
The meeting was also attended by ADGP-cum-State Police Nodal Officer M.F. Farooqui, Additional CEO Harish Nayar, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala, and other officials from the CEO’s office.
Constituency Voter & Polling Booth Data
Sibin C informed that the Ludhiana West constituency has a total of 1,74,437 voters, including 89,602 male voters, 84,825 female voters, and 10 voters identifying as third gender.
A total of 192 polling booths will be set up for the bye-election. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women managed booth, one green/environment-friendly booth, and one booth managed by PWD staff. Additionally, 13 polling booths have been identified as critical, where additional security measures will be deployed.
Polling will be held on June 19, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the counting of votes will take place on June 23 starting from 8.00am.
