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Election Commission Holds Key Talks With Parties for Puducherry Polls

The Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, held crucial consultations with recognized political parties in Puducherry to prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections. The meetings focused on gathering feedback regarding electoral rolls, polling infrastructure, law and order, and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The Commission also reviewed administrative and security preparedness with top officials, emphasizing transparency and a level playing field. This stakeholder interaction is a key step in ensuring the integrity and smooth conduct of the polls.

Key Points: EC Meets Parties in Puducherry for Assembly Election Prep

  • High-level consultations with parties
  • Review of electoral rolls & security
  • Focus on free & fair polls
  • Tech-driven & inclusive elections
2 min read

CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners meet political parties in Puducherry

CEC Gyanesh Kumar leads consultations with political parties on electoral rolls, security, and fair conduct for the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections.

"The Commission assured political parties that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure transparency, neutrality, and strict adherence to electoral guidelines. - Sources"

Puducherry, Feb 25

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, on Wednesday, held a series of high-level consultations with recognised national and state political parties in Puducherry as part of the Election Commission of India's preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Commission's visit assumes significance amid heightened political activity in the Union Territory, with political parties intensifying their groundwork ahead of the anticipated announcement of the poll schedule.

The delegation also included the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Puducherry and other senior officials of the Election Commission.

During the consultations, representatives of recognised political parties were invited to share their concerns, suggestions, and feedback on electoral rolls, polling infrastructure, law and order preparedness, enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and measures to ensure free and fair elections.

Sources said the Commission assured political parties that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure transparency, neutrality, and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasised the Commission's commitment to conducting elections that are inclusive, accessible, and technology-driven.

The discussions also covered voter awareness initiatives, the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) systems, and mechanisms to address grievances in a timely manner.

Political party representatives reportedly raised issues related to booth-level arrangements, deployment of central forces, and monitoring of election expenditure during the campaign period.

Earlier in the day, the Commission held review meetings with the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and senior administrative officials to assess the overall preparedness of the administrative and security machinery.

The review focused on ensuring updated electoral rolls, adequate security deployment, vulnerability mapping, and logistical arrangements for polling personnel.

Officials said the visit forms part of the Commission's nationwide preparedness review ahead of Assembly elections scheduled in various states and Union Territories.

The Election Commission is expected to closely monitor preparations over the coming weeks before announcing the election schedule.

The interaction with political stakeholders is seen as an important step towards reinforcing confidence in the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders in Puducherry's upcoming Assembly elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Transparency is key! The mention of EVMs and VVPATs is reassuring, but the real test is on polling day. Booth-level arrangements and security for voters, especially women and senior citizens, must be top priority.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the Commission's efforts, I hope these consultations are not just a formality. In the past, some parties have complained about partiality of local officials. The CEC must ensure the ground staff is absolutely neutral.
P
Priyanka N
The focus on technology-driven and inclusive elections is the need of the hour. Hope they have special drives for first-time voters in Puducherry. Young people need to be engaged more in the democratic process. 🇮🇳
D
David E
Observing from abroad, it's impressive to see the scale of preparation for state elections in India. The systematic review with police and admin officials shows a structured approach to democracy. Hope the campaign period remains peaceful.
V
Vikram M
Deployment of central forces is crucial. UT elections can sometimes get heated. The EC must not delay in announcing the dates so that the Model Code of Conduct kicks in and stops any last-minute announcements by the ruling party.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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