Sibin C directs District Authorities to Combat Misinformation

Lok Sabha Elections 2024:- Directs them to furnish information at once about any incident occurring in their respective districts

– Orders district authorities to give permissions sought by political parties within stipulated time

– CEO asks to make judicial use of social media platforms during elections

Chandigarh, March 12:

          Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Tuesday has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to promptly refute any misinformation or misleading information spread during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

          The CEO categorically asked authorities for appropriate utilization of social media platforms for this purpose, while also stressing the importance of using various social media platforms to disseminate essential messages and information to voters during the elections.

          During a high-level meeting conducted via video conferencing with all deputy commissioners, police commissioners, and SSPs of Punjab at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C stressed the need for transparent and unbiased conduct of elections without any pressure.

      The CEO reiterated that election staff must diligently adhere to the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), and emphasised that any negligence will not be tolerated. Erring officials and employees will face appropriate disciplinary action.

          He said that any complaints during the election process must be resolved within the timeframe set by the ECI. He instructed that any incidents occurring in any district should be reported immediately to enable prompt action. He exhorted district officials to act swiftly and strategically during the elections.

          Sibin C also urged the officials for implementing the slogan ‘Is vaar 70 paar’ to increase the voter turnout. He instructed all districts to intensify efforts by identifying areas where voter turnout decreased during the previous elections.

          Likewise, the CEO directed that any requests for permissions from political parties during the election process should be processed within the designated time frame. He said that district authorities should conduct meetings with political party representatives to inform them about the Election Commission’s guidelines and regulations.

          He instructed the Deputy Commissioners, who also serve as District Election Officers, to issue directives to relevant officers and employees to cover or remove photographs of political figures from all government buildings once the model code of conduct is enforced. Additionally, the CEO encouraged district officials to ensure adequate facilities for election staff and voters, and to optimize polling station arrangements.

          During this meeting, Sibin C received updates on the election activities in all districts and also collected feedback. He provided necessary directives to district officials and urged them to promptly establish committees/teams/cells as per the guidelines of the ECI.

          At the meeting, ADGP and Nodal Officer for Lok Sabha Elections, MM Farooqui, provided detailed information regarding security concerns during the elections. He reiterated that the Punjab Police and other security forces were dedicated to conducting the elections transparently and peacefully.

          Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by Additional Chief Electoral Officers Harish Nayyar and Abhijeet Kaplish, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sakkatar Singh Bal, other officials from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and representatives from the Punjab Police.