General Observer Reviews Election Preparedness

Jaisalmer, Deepa Ranjan, the General Observer of the Indian Election Commission, conducted a detailed review of the preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Jaisalmer district. The assessment took stock of the arrangements made so far for conducting the elections.

During the event, Ranjan emphasized that elections are the cornerstone of democracy and play a crucial role in every individual's life. She stressed that the upcoming elections should not only be conducted impartially and efficiently but also with utmost transparency at every level. She urged all officials to work with coordination, vigilance, and responsibility as per the guidelines of the Election Commission. Ensuring compliance with responsibilities related to their respective areas was also emphasized.

Ranjan received information during the meeting on various aspects related to election management, law and order, transportation, control rooms, general arrangements, training, model code of conduct, ballot printing, postal services, IT infrastructure, polling materials, route charts, communication systems, EVMs, and polling/counting teams.

She highlighted the need to establish coordination between polling teams, using the C-Vigil app, and monitoring the ENS portal continuously. Additionally, Ranjan instructed officers associated with the Model Code of Conduct and Complaints Cell to resolve complaints within the stipulated time frame set by the Election Commission. She emphasized that complaints received through ECI and SSVC should be addressed with utmost seriousness.

Ranjan expressed the importance of voter awareness activities to increase voter turnout in polling stations with minimal turnout during past assembly elections. 

Furthermore, Ranjan encouraged voters to exercise their voting rights fearlessly and for authorities to create a fear-free environment. She instructed Assistant Returning Officers to prevent criminal elements in their respective areas. Also, she stressed on the need for meticulous monitoring of sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations, along with their integration into webcasting, and monitoring of cash and liquor distribution.

Officials from the district election office, including District Election Officer Pratap Singh, Deputy District Election Officer Munni Ram Bagriya, and various department heads, attended the meeting.