Chief Electoral Officer reviews poll readiness

Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C held a meeting on Thursday through video-conferencing with Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers and SSPs of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Muktsar and Barnala to review the preparations for byelections to Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha and Barnala seats.

During the meeting, Sibin instructed district officials to increase surveillance to curb illegal trafficking of drugs, liquor, cash and other materials. He emphasised strict action in case of complaints about distribution of cash or goods to influence voters during elections. To ensure free and fair elections, he ordered strict vigilance 48 hours before voting until the completion of the election process, reinforcement of checkpoints, and close monitoring of the movement of outsiders in the constituencies.

Sibin directed District Election Officers to ensure 100 per cent live webcasting for real-time monitoring of polling stations and appropriate arrangements in counting halls.