Delhi Election Preparations: Security, Voter Education, and Spending Oversight Discussed

Synopsis

In a crucial meeting, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer, R. Alice Vaz, reviewed preparations for the February 5 Assembly elections, focusing on security, voter awareness, and expenditure monitoring. The meeting involved key officials and emphasized the importance of a smooth electoral process.

Key Takeaways

Election Security: Deployment of CAPF in sensitive areas.
Expenditure Monitoring: Oversight of campaign spending by observers.
Voter Awareness: Distribution of Voter Information Slips prioritized.
Defacement Removal: MCD cleared over 13 lakh defaced materials.
Polling Station Preparation: Ensuring Assured Minimum Facilities at all sites.

New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi, R. Alice Vaz, convened a significant meeting on Monday to assess the readiness for the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections, set to take place on February 5.

The primary aim of the meeting was to guarantee a seamless and organized electoral process.

Attention was directed towards critical components such as law and order, security measures, voter awareness, and monitoring of election expenditures.

High-ranking officials, including District Election Officers (DOs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Returning Officers (ROs), Police Observers, Expenditure Observers, and General Observers, were present at the meeting.

Senior representatives from the Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), NDMC, and Cantonment Boards also participated.

Insights from representatives of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Police Nodal Officers were shared to enhance coordination.

The discussion covered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to oversee sensitive areas throughout the city. Strategies were established for locations needing increased security to ensure voter safety and uphold peace during the election period. The meeting underscored the necessity of scrutinizing election expenditures.

Expenditure observers were assigned the responsibility of monitoring campaign finances to ensure compliance with regulations and uphold fairness throughout the electoral process.

The MCD reported substantial advancement in its campaign to eliminate defacement, having successfully removed over 13 lakh posters, banners, and hoardings citywide. This initiative supports the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and aims to reduce election-related defacement.

Comprehensive discussions regarding voter education and awareness took place, with evaluations of Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities.

Returning Officers shared their plans for promoting voter awareness, which were commended for their potential to foster informed participation among voters.

The distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) is a primary focus. Polling officials have initiated outreach to households to distribute these slips, which offer essential information about polling locations and voter registration details. The target is to achieve full distribution of VIS by January 31.

Additionally, preparations for polling stations were discussed, emphasizing the provision of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all sites, including ramps, accessible toilets, parking, and sufficient lighting.

To boost transparency, 100 percent webcasting will be executed at polling stations to oversee the election process. Proper training for polling staff and arrangements for counting centers were highlighted to ensure a smooth, effective, and transparent election day.