Bandipora: As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure robust election preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, accompanied by ADC/ Nodal Officer MCC ZaffarHussain Shawl, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Gurez Assembly Constituency (AC) in Bandipora District on Thursday.
The visit was aimed at meticulously reviewing the arrangements in place for the electoral process in the 16-Gurez AC. The SDM/RO 16-Gurez AC briefed the DEO on election preparedness in the Gurez Assembly Constituency.
During the tour, the DEO inspected several polling stations across the constituency, ensuring that all necessary facilities and protocols are being strictly adhered to in preparation for election day.
The DEO visited polling stations Kanzalwan, BHSS Dawar, GHSS Dawar, and Markoot. At each location, the DEO examined the available infrastructure, accessibility, and overall readiness of the polling stations to handle voters, with a primary focus on ensuring that all polling stations are equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) as mandated by the Election Commission of India.
The DEO inspected the availability of adequate lighting, drinking water, toilets, ramps for PWD voters, and proper signage, all of which are crucial for facilitating a smooth and hassle-free voting experience.
In addition to the inspection of polling stations, the DEO visited the Strong Room established at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office for the 16-Gurez AC.
He emphasized the secure storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election-related materials before and after the voting process.
The DEO reviewed the security arrangements, ensuring that all measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the election process. He stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and security around the strong room, as it plays a pivotal role in the overall transparency and fairness of the election.
Speaking on the occasion, DEO expressed satisfaction with the preparations so far. He also urged the concerned officers to maintain a proactive approach in addressing any potential challenges that might arise. He reiterated the commitment of the district administration to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to achieve this goal.
He stated that the visit to the 16-Gurez AC was aimed at ensuring that all logistical and operational aspects of the election process in the remote 16-Gurez AC are thoroughly addressed, and to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that upholds the highest standards of electoral integrity.
