Open house: What steps should the administration take to ensure free and fair conduct of MC elections?

Beef up security for peaceful pollingIn order to ensure free and fair conduct of elections, the district administration should take the foremost step of ensuring tight security throughout the city and deployment of only honest and efficient police officials. The second step it should take is to install CCTV cameras. Last, but not the least, it should ensure the proper working of EVMs before the election date to avoid glitches.

Sanjay Chawla

Safety of voters is of great concern

Different measures are taken to ensure free and fair elections. Every step should be taken carefully so that the voters are able to cast their votes according to their choices. The safety of voters should be based on priority. Sufficient policemen should be posted at the polling booths to maintain peace and order. Strict supervision should be there during the code of conduct period to stop the use of alcohol and money. It should be watched and the ruling party should not be allowed to use government machinery in its favour during the campaigning for elections. The team of the Election Commission should have the duty to see that nobody tries to use muscle and money power. All liquor shops should be closed at the time

of elections.

Sucha Singh Sagar

Ensure fair count of votes after polling

In a democratic nation, election time is one of the most significant events that take place. During elections, the people of the country and state can show the strength in their voice or power as strong beliefs or disbeliefs arise. This phenomenon has changed many lives and drastically affected how the country has been running and will be run. Now that the civic body election has been announced on December 21, the city is expecting two things, one of them being a big load of rallies all around the city and the second, a looming threat of miscount and flawed election results. The judicial system as well as the administration should devise a way to ensure a fair count of all votes to rightfully represent the people of Jalandhar. Some steps to do so are as follows: Always keep all the ballots under strict surveillance to provide a tight check over all the votes to avoid theft or vandalism. In addition to this, votes or groups of votes that feel suspicious or have potentially been tampered with should be rechecked and investigated by an expert committee. Lastly, the participating representative should provide a report on their routine and each and every activity, except their private matters, to the authorities in order to keep their every move under surveillance and make sure that everyone is playing a fair game. Anyone found cheating during the elections should be heavily fined as well as disqualified from participation in the elections. These steps are crucial for a fair and unbiased representation of the people iMC elections.

Lakshit Jindal

Fair elections vital to maintain democracy

The constitutional framework that governs elections to the local bodies, outlined in Article 243-ZA of the Constitution, designates the State Election Commission (SEC) as the authoritative body responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of the election process. The SEC enforces the Model Code of Conduct, a set of guidelines to promote integrity and fairness among the contesting candidates, government departments and officials. This code becomes effective upon the announcement of the election schedule. Conducting free and fair municipal elections is vital for maintaining public trust and upholding democratic values. In this context, the district administration plays an important role by actively implementing the Model Code of Conduct in its true spirit. This includes organising awareness campaigns to educate voters about their rights and emphasising the importance of participating in elections. Transparency in the electoral process can be enhanced by ensuring that information regarding candidates and voting procedures is readily accessible to the public. It is essential to deploy adequate security personnel at polling stations to deter any potential intimidation or violence during the elections. Additionally, establishing monitoring mechanisms can help identify and report any irregularities that may occur during the elections. To ensure a smooth and fair voting experience, election officials should be appointed after appropriate training. Accessibility should also be prioritised, making sure that polling stations are accommodating for all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Kulwant Singh Phull

Opportunity to shape future of city

Punjab prepares for the civic polls to Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils to be held on December 21. As councillors play a pivotal role in addressing the core concerns of the residents, including sanitation, waste management, roads, encroachments, pollution and environmental degradation, it is imperative to elect right persons for the civic bodies. However, the campaign trail instead of focusing on these pressing challenges often gets marred by candidates raising divisive issues and making lofty promises to garner votes. This not only distracts attention from the real issues but also has the potential to create social unrest. As such, the voters should essentially demand clear vision and concrete plans for sustainable development and environmental solutions from the candidates in the fray. In fact, it is the responsibility of voters to choose representatives who prioritise their concerns and have a clear roadmap for local development. While the Election Commission of India must ensure free and fair polls, the district authorities ought to take proactive measures to prevent any abuse of power, money or muscle during the elections. The Election Commission is also required to crack down on hate speech, communal rhetoric and other forms of divisive politics that can vitiate the electoral atmosphere. Holding meetings of Ward Defence Committees frequently, the authorities should keep a strict vigil on the law and order situation while unfair practices like distribution of liquor, other valuables or polarisation of votes on caste or religious lines to gain electoral favours should be dealt with strictly. In its entirety, the civic body elections are an opportunity for the residents to shape the future of their cities and towns. It is paramount that the candidates who have the zeal to work tirelessly to address residents' concerns and create a better future for all should be elected.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Free & fair elections are paramount

With the announcement of MC elections in Punjab, major political parties have started to woo the winnable candidates into their fold to gain majority for local governance. The candidates are shifting their loyalties with the sole motive of gaining authority for selfish purposes only. Under such a polluted environment, the administration’s responsibility to ensure fair and free elections becomes paramount. However, it is a challenging task. The administration must ensure that no freebies in return of votes are distributed among the voters by any candidate. It is generally observed that liquor and money is openly distributed to win them over for votes and it needs to be prevented by all means. Police authorities should set up a dedicated control room with free helpline numbers to hear public complaints against electoral malpractices for getting them resolved quickly and taking further action as per law.

Jagdish Chander

Keep strict vigil on anti-social elements

Casting vote is our fundamental right and nobody should be deprived of their right to franchise due to age factor. The provision for senior citizen voters above the age of 90 to be given the same facility as described in the manuals of Election Commission of India to vote from home by deputing the concerned staff of Election Commission of India as per the rules was implemented during parliamentary/assembly elections. In the Punjab civic body elections, the time period for canvassing is very short and it is expected that the candidates will have to carry out street corner meetings (Nukkad Sabha) instead of seeking votes door-to-door. Paramilitary forces should be deputed at polling stations and deployed at all sensitive points in the city to create confidence among the voters for maintaining law and order. The administration should keep a vigil on the anti-social elements.

Rajat Kumar

Ensure efficient electoral practice

Elections are near and the administration should focus on fair, transparent and efficient electoral process. First of all, they should verify that voting machines and other security measures are secure and functioning effectively. Take the help of NGOs and social security organisations for campaigning and inform citizens about their voting rights. There should be total clarity on procedures. Polling stations should be accessible to all and special arrangements should be in place for the disabled voters. Coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prevent any disruption at polling booths. Engage school teachers, bank employees and other government officials for the smooth functioning of poll machinery.

Shashi Kiran