The District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today held a joint briefing for Zonal Magistrates, Zonal Police Officers, Sector Magistrates and Sector Police Officers to ensure seamless coordination and preparedness for the smooth conduct of free and fair elections in the district. Dr. Basharat emphasized the crucial role played by these officers as the vital link between polling parties and the Returning Officer (RO) and DEO. He outlined their responsibilities, which include overseeing the movement of polling parties from dispatch centres to polling stations on P-1, ensuring the safe arrival of polling teams, reporting on poll day activities, monitoring mock polls and managing the deployment of reserve EVMs if needed.
Detailed instructions were given regarding their specific roles and responsibilities. Key points covered included poll day protocols, such as Mock Poll as per guidelines, start of poll and the strict observance of the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. Officers were reminded to monitor the polling process closely, especially the implementation of multiple checks and balances, such as EVM and VVPAT testing and the reporting of any issues immediately.
Sector Magistrates were tasked with ensuring that no polling parties are delayed and that all materials are deposited and accounted for correctly. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pulwama, PD Nitya also addressed the briefing, detailing the deployment of police personnel across zones and sectors.
She highlighted the collaboration between civil and police officers to maintain law and order during the elections and underscored the importance of adhering to security protocols to safeguard the electoral process. Returning Officers from Pulwama and Rajpora, along with Nodal Officers participated in the session, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring a transparent and well-coordinated election process.