In a crucial briefing held at the XLRI auditorium, key election officials laid out comprehensive guidelines to ensure the conduct of free, fair, peaceful, and transparent voting in the upcoming elections. The session was led by General Observer Killu Shiv Kumar Naidu and District Election Officer Ananya Mittal, with the presence of the Deputy Development Commissioner and other senior officials.
General Observer Killu Shiv Kumar Naidu underscored the pivotal role of Micro Observers in the electoral process. He emphasized the need for these observers to perform their duties with utmost sensitivity and seriousness, highlighting their critical responsibility in maintaining the integrity of the election. Naidu urged the Micro Observers to clear any doubts they might have by leveraging the training provided and to seek guidance from senior officers whenever necessary.
District Election Officer Ananya Mittal elaborated on the extensive responsibilities of Micro Observers at their designated polling stations. He stressed the importance of immediate reporting to senior officials if any disruptions occur during the election process. Mittal provided detailed insights into the feedback report system, the utility of various forms, and their proper maintenance to ensure a seamless voting experience.
During the briefing, Micro Observers received thorough instructions on the essential preparations required on polling day. This included detailed explanations of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) operations, the ballot unit, and the roles of the presiding officer and other polling officials. Specific attention was given to the distribution and management of voter slips, ballot papers, and the maintenance of accounts.
One of the critical components discussed was the mock poll procedure, which involves conducting a trial run with at least 50 votes in the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. This exercise ensures the functionality and reliability of the voting machines before actual voting begins. The session also covered subsequent processes such as CRC (Control Room Certificate), sealing proceedings, and other essential protocols, with a dedicated segment for resolving any queries from the Micro Observers.
All Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) and Assistant Election Returning Officers (AEROs) were present at the briefing, ensuring a well-coordinated approach to election day operations. The presence of these officials facilitated direct communication and provided an opportunity for Micro Observers to seek clarifications and guidance, reinforcing the collaborative effort required for a smooth electoral process.
The briefing concluded with a strong message from both the General Observer and the District Election Officer about the collective responsibility of all election officials. Their guidance aims to empower Micro Observers with the knowledge and tools necessary to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity, ensuring that the voting process is conducted in a manner that is free, fair, peaceful, and transparent.
As the election date approaches, the rigorous preparation and detailed guidelines provided in this briefing session stand as a testament to the commitment of the election officials to maintain a democratic process that voters can trust and participate in with confidence.
