The District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal today visited Govt. College of Physical Education where counting centers are established to take first hand appraisal of the arrangements to ensure smooth and transparent conduct of votes.During the visit, the DPEO inspected arrangements put in place for counting of votes for 14 District Development Council (DDC) Constituencies of the district scheduled to commence from 9 am on Tuesday, 22 December at the venue.The DPEO said that all the arrangements have been put in place with regard to counting halls, public address system, security and requisite staff for a smooth and transparent counting process.He appealed to all the political parties and contesting candidates to extend their cooperation to the concerned staff during the counting process and added that the entire counting exercise will be monitored to ensure full transparency.On the occasion the DPEO exhorted upon the counting staff to follow guidelines of ECI regarding basis of rejection of vote and other necessary issues to avoid any misconceptions besides adhering to COVID-19 SOPS during the proceedings.Regarding security arrangements, the DPEO was informed that the elaborate security arrangements and barricading of the venue will be ensured so that the counting process can be conducted in a peaceful manner.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.Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ACR, Baseer Ahmad, SDM Kangan and DIO Ganderbal accompanied the DPEO during the visit.