Training for sector officers to ensure free, fair local body elections

District Election Officer Ajay Kumar and Commissioner of Police Vikas Arora conducted a training session for civil and police sector officers on Thursday. The session, aimed at ensuring free and fair elections for the local bodies, outlined the critical responsibilities of the officers in maintaining law and order during the election process.

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Ajay Kumar highlighted the importance of the 72 hours leading up to voting, stressing sector officers must ensure smooth operations during this period. He instructed that sector officers should arrive at polling stations on time, conduct physical verification of polling stations and oversee the proper functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Officers are also responsible for enforcing the model code of conduct and maintaining law and order during the elections.

Additionally, Kumar emphasised the need for coordination between sector officers and the presiding officers at the booths. He urged officers to address any problems related to furniture, access paths, electricity and water before the election day.

To assist the sector officers, the district administration has provided maps and route charts of their respective areas, enabling them to visit polling booths a day before the voting to inspect all necessary arrangements.

Kumar also stated, except for the Sohna Municipal Council and Gurugram Municipal Corporation’s Ward 22, two EVMs would be used at booths across all municipal areas in the district. One EVM would be used for voting on the Mayor candidates, while the other would be used for councillor elections.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Vikas Arora instructed police sector officers to begin their duties from Thursday and ensure they fulfil their responsibilities effectively. He also emphasised the need for night patrols in their assigned areas to maintain security in the lead-up to

the elections.