District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal today reviewed arrangements put in place for smooth conduct of counting of votes of District Development Council (DDC) elections and ULB by-elections on December 22.During the meeting threadbare discussion was held on preparation of Counting halls, security arrangements, appointment of Magistrates, training of staff, adherence of Covid-19 SOPs and availability of Covid material, Traffic management besides, proper heating/lighting and availability of drinking water facilities.The DPEO informed that the counting of the votes polled for 14 constituencies is scheduled on December 22, 2020 and would commence at 9 AM and continue till completion at Govt. College of Physical Education, Ganderbal where a strong room/counting center is established.The DPEO issued instructions to the concerned officers to make adequate arrangements at the venue for a hassle-free counting process and sought coordination among all concerned officers for a smooth and transparent counting process.Keeping in view COVID-19 pandemic, DPEO issued necessary directions to all stakeholders to follow SOP and directed the CMO to ensure Covid-19 test of counting staff and other officials.The DPEO directed the ROs and AROs to follow the set procedure during counting and ensure a comprehensive and accurate dissemination of counting related information and details.The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Khalil Poswal, ADC, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ACR, SDM Kangan, Dy. DEO, Returning Officers (RO), Assistant Returning Officers (ARO), CMO and other concerned.