Puducherry, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, conducted a series of important discussions with recognized national and state political parties in Puducherry on Wednesday. This initiative is part of the Election Commission of India's preparations for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

This visit is particularly crucial given the surge in political activity within the Union Territory, where parties are ramping up their efforts in anticipation of the imminent announcement of the election schedule.

The delegation also featured the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Puducherry along with other senior officials from the Election Commission.

During the discussions, representatives from recognized political parties were encouraged to voice their concerns, suggestions, and feedback regarding electoral rolls, polling infrastructure, law enforcement preparedness, implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, and measures aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.

According to reports, the Commission guaranteed the political parties that all necessary measures would be implemented to maintain transparency, impartiality, and strict compliance with electoral guidelines.

The Chief Election Commissioner reiterated the Commission's dedication to conducting elections that are inclusive, accessible, and driven by technology.

The discussions also addressed initiatives for voter awareness, the application of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) systems, along with mechanisms for promptly addressing grievances.

Political party representatives are said to have raised concerns regarding booth-level arrangements, deployment of central forces, and oversight of election expenditures during the campaigning period.

Earlier on the same day, the Commission conducted review meetings with the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and senior administrative officials to evaluate overall preparedness of administrative and security measures.

This review emphasized ensuring updated electoral rolls, adequate security deployment, vulnerability mapping, and logistical arrangements for polling personnel.

Officials indicated that this visit is part of the Commission’s comprehensive nationwide preparedness review ahead of Assembly elections set to take place in various states and Union Territories.

The Election Commission is anticipated to closely observe preparations in the coming weeks prior to the announcement of the election schedule.

The engagement with political stakeholders is viewed as a significant step towards bolstering confidence in the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved in the upcoming Assembly elections in Puducherry.