Election observers take stock of poll preparedness

Imphal: General observers, expenditure observers and police observers on Tuesday held a meeting with the district administration of Imphal West to review the district’s poll preparedness ahead of February 27 first phase Manipur Assembly polls.

The meeting was held at the Kombirei Hall of the DC Complex, Imphal West.

The observers are general observers Jang Bahadur Yada, Lalzirmawia Chhangte, IAS, Sarita Yadav, Ritendra Narayan Basu Roy CHoudohury, Expenditure Observers Mrityunjoy Barnwal, Mohit Kumar Nigam, Anand Prakash Upadhyay, Pavan Kumar Beerla, and police 0bserver Kumar Gautam.

During the meeting, district election officer/DC Th.Kirankumar briefed the observers and made a power-point presentation to highlight the steps being taken up by the district administration for the free, fair and smooth conduct of the polls in the district. He highlighted the overall preparations undertaken in the district including transportation of EVMs, polling personnel, use of VVPAT, training for polling personnel, etc.

The DEO also showed a brief video to highlight how colour coded vehicles will be utilized for the first time for transportation of polling personnel, etc.

Superintendent of police, Imphal West Ksh. Shivakanta highlighted the security measures taken up as part of the poll preparation.

The observers on their part highlighted that despite being located at the centre of the city, previous records show that both 9-Thangmeiband AC and 10-Uripok AC have showed lower poll percentage as compared to other constituencies.

The observers instructed the district administration to take up steps to boost voter turnout in the forthcoming election.

They also highlighted the need to ensure adequate supply of vehicles for officers on election duty for all teams like the Video Surveillance, Flying Squad, etc, so that there will be no hindrances in reaching even the remotest part of the district.

Another main concern of the observers was the issue of Covid vaccination and said the district administration must ensure atleast double dose vaccination of all those engaged in poll activities including political agents of candidates before the actual date of poll.

The meeting was also attended by ROs, nodal officers among others.