Rajasthan: Ensure Timely Preparations for Upcoming By-Elections, Says Chief Election Officer

Dungarpur: Chief Election Officer Navin Mahajan has instructed officials to ensure timely preparations for the upcoming by-elections to be held on six vacant assembly seats in Rajasthan. He emphasised the need for preparations at the local level to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

In a video conference with senior officials, including district election officers, returning officers, and CEOs of zilla parishads, Mahajan stressed the importance of focusing on voter registration, particularly among new voters and ensuring that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral rolls. He also emphasized the need for home voting facilities for elderly and differently-abled voters.

Mahajan instructed officials to identify polling stations that require additional facilities and to establish auxiliary polling stations as needed. He also directed them to identify sensitive polling stations and provide special resources and arrangements for them.

The CEO also emphasized the need for voter awareness campaigns, particularly among young voters, and instructed officials to promote the Voter Helpline App (VHA) in universities, colleges, and other educational institutions.

EVM Machines Undergo First-Level Checking

In the meeting, officials informed that the first-level checking of EVM machines has been completed in five districts, while the process is underway for the Salumbar assembly seat and is expected to be completed by August 30.

District Election Officer Ankit Kumar Singh presented a report on the various stages of the by-election process, including nomination, scrutiny of nomination papers, and withdrawal of nominations, as well as law and order arrangements.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the election department, district election officers, returning officers, and CEOs of zilla parishads from all six districts where the by-elections will be held.