In order to ensure a smooth, transparent and inclusive electoral process, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, Pandurang K Pole on Saturday conducted a comprehensive visit to Kishtwar district to review preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. The visit encompassed inspection of Intermediate Strong Rooms as well as inspection of facilities available for Lok Sabha Election at established polling stations of far-off places like Marwah, Warwan and Machail Paddar areas of the district. The CEO took stock of arrangements and preparations for the upcoming elections. He issued necessary directions to concerned officials besides emphasising them to adhere to the guidelines issued by Election Commission of India. He also interacted with voters and briefed them about the importance of maximum participation in the democratic exercise.

The CEO also inspected the strong rooms at District HQ ensuring randomization of EVMs and other related exercises, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Later, he also took a comprehensive meeting with various stakeholders, election staff, Nodal officer of Model Code of Conduct, Election Expenditure Monitoring teams, and Social Media Monitoring Committee and stressed on the strict adherence to the guidelines and timeline for MCC and Print and Electronic Media Monitoring. He also stressed upon the importance of initiating door-to-door campaigns to maximize voter turnout under SVEEP and urged all stakeholders to perform their duties with dedication, integrity and a proactive approach, considering the upcoming election as the largest democratic exercise.