Deputy Election Commissioner of India Sudhir Tripathi has asked officers associated with Vidhan Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh to ensure elections in a much better way using their efficiency and expertise.
Tripathi said that officers carry the important responsibility to hold free and fair elections to Vidhan Sabha this year-end and will have to set highest precedents by enforcing model code of conduct strictly. Tripathi was concluding three-day training to district election officers, deputy district election officers, ROs and AROs at the Academy of Administration here on Saturday. State’s Chief Electoral Officer Jaideep Govind was also present on the occasion.
Tripathi informed that 50 per cent preparations for Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections have been completed. He said that conducting elections is statutory duty of officers, which should be discharged with honestly. Describing electoral process distinct and important, he said that this training will prove significant. Tripathi said that model code of conduct comes into effect with announcement of elections and nomination process gets underway.
Highlighting importance of nominations, he directed officers to remain vigilant. Informing about nominations, scrutiny, withdrawal of nominations, monitoring of election expenses, postal ballots, counting etc. in detail, he said that officers will have to seek guidance from offices of the Commission and Chief Electoral Officer when they have any doubt. Guidance can be sought by fax, phone etc.
Tripathi further said that acceptance of erroneous nominations may hinder electoral process. Therefore, special care should be exercised. He asked districts to chalk out their better communication plan and implement it. He also talked about refresher course after training. He said that trained officers should share their knowledge and understanding with others. This will help new officers learn the process easily.
Throwing light on election training programme, Jaideep Govind described it an important dimension of electoral process. He asked the officers to use their discretion while taking decisions during elections. Guidelines and handbooks of Election Commission have been sent to all districts.