Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Shantmanu, today called for strict implementation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and said that complete transparency and security shall be ensured for smooth and peaceful conduct of forthcoming Parliamentary by-polls.The CEO was speaking at a meeting with the representatives of various political parties of the State. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Joint Director Information, Deputy Director Information and other concerned.On the occasion, the Chief Electoral Officer said that all the necessary arrangements have been finalized for the smooth conduct of the polls. He directed the officials to ensure that MCC is strictly adhered. He said that all arrangements including appointment of poll officials, checking of EVMs, updation of Electoral Photo Identity Cards etc have been finalized.The representatives of various political parties stressed on the need to provide security to participating candidates, star campaigners and other leaders, while assuring abiding of the MCC guidelines and cooperation in conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections.
The CEO assured the representatives that all of their genuine concerns will be taken care of.The CEO informed the meeting that around 27 lakh voters will exercise their franchise during the by-elections in two parliamentary seats of Srinagar and Anantnag. He said that the voters also include around 75000 migrant voters. He said that the electoral rolls will be further updated in the coming week to ensure more voters get registered.He also said that elections offices shall remain open on March 21, 2017, despite of being State holiday, which is the last day for filing of nominations for Srinagar parliamentary constituency.Shantmanu further said that for smooth conduct of the elections, 31 Assistant Returning Officers have also been appointed for the 31 assembly constituencies involved in these two parliamentary seats. He said that one overall observer, two general observers, security observer and expenditure observer for the elections are also in the offing. Srinagar and Anantnag parliament seats would go to polls on April 9 and 12 respectively. Votes would be counted on April 15. Gazette notification for by-polls to Srinagar would be issued on March 14 and Anantnag on March 17. Last dates for filing nominations for Srinagar and Anantnag is March 21 and 24 respectively.