District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Ramban, Nazim Zai Khan today reviewed arrangements for counting of votes polled in the District Development Council elections and interacted with political representatives here at two separate meetings.The meetings were attended by Returning Officers (RO), Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) and representatives of all political parties to discuss arrangements put in place for the counting of votes of District Development Council (DDC) elections and ULB by-elections scheduled on December 22.The counting of the votes polled for 14 constituencies for the first ever District Development Councils is scheduled on December 22, 2020 in the district. The DPEO informed that the training of counting staff will be conducted on December 21.Among others, the meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Haseeb-ur-Rehman; ACR, Dhirender Sharma; Dy. DEO, Lal Chand; CMO, Dr. Fareed Bhat besides ROs and AROs.The DPEO issued instructions to the concerned officers to make adequate arrangements at the venue for a hassle-free counting process. He informed that the counting process would commence at 9 AM and continue till completion. “Only authorized persons and vehicles will be allowed to enter inside the venue,” he added.
Earlier, threadbare discussion was held to ensure hassle free counting of polls. The DPEO emphasised upon the concerned to work in close coordination for a smooth and transparent counting process.Keeping in view COVID-19 pandemic, DPEO issued necessary directions to all stakeholders especially to political parties and media persons to follow SOP for avoiding spread of COVID-19.He directed the CMO to ensure Covid-19 test of counting staff and other officials and provide testing facility to candidates, their agents as well as media persons in their nearest designated covid-19 test centers on December 21st. He said that only two agents would be allowed with a candidate at the counting hall. He further informed that Mobile Phones will not be allowed inside the counting hall.It was also informed that a Control Room and Media Centre would be set up for the smooth flow of election related information. The DEO directed the concerned officers to ensure a comprehensive and accurate dissemination of counting related information and details.He directed the ROs and AROs to follow the set procedure and maintain discipline, while discharging their duty.Jal Shakti and the power department were directed to ensure uninterrupted Power, drinking water supply at the venue.The DPEO also took stock of the security, traffic and barricading arrangements being made at the venue.