Chandigarh, June 16: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C held a video conference meeting on Monday. The meeting was to review the arrangements for the by-election to the 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Himanshu Jain attended the meeting. Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma attended as well. Returning Officer Rupinder Pal Singh was also present.

CEO Calls for 24 x 7 Monitoring, Action on Violations

During the meeting, the CEO instructed the district officials to exercise heightened vigilance in the final phase of the election process. He emphasized strict surveillance during the last 72, 48, and 24 hours before polling, and until the election process concludes. Sibin C directed that all outsiders, including  political leaders, must vacate the constituency area after the election campaign ends at 6 PM on June 17. He also emphasized strengthening 24×7 surveillance through CCTV to curb illegal distribution or smuggling of liquor, cash, drugs, or other inducements. The CEO directed immediate action. This should happen upon receiving any complaint about attempts to influence voters through cash or freebies distribution.

Arrangements ;CEO Reviews Poll Readiness Amid Heat, Stresses Voter Facilities and Code Compliance

In view of the hot weather, the Chief Electoral Officer instructed officials to ensure adequate facilities for voters at polling stations, including drinking water, ‘chhabil’,  waiting areas, toilets, and sheds. He also urged that voters be encouraged to follow COVID-19 advisory guidelines issued by the Health Department. Sibin C reviewed the live webcasting of 100% polling stations. This was done for real-time monitoring. He took stock of arrangements at polling booths, strong rooms, counting halls, and medical facilities. He directed immediate action against any violation of the Model Code of Conduct. This should be done promptly as per the Election Commission’s guidelines. The DC-cum-District Election Officer and Police Commissioner assured the CEO that all preparations for the by-election are complete. “Therefore, officials will conduct the election process smoothly, following the guidelines set by the Election Commission. Furthermore, they assured that they would promptly implement all directives discussed during the meeting without delay.” Additionally, Additional CEO Harish Nayar attended the meeting. Along with him, Joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala, as well as other senior officials from the CEO office were also present, contributing to the discussions.

Key Statistics of Voters and Polling Booths

Sibin C informed that the total number of registered voters in the Ludhiana West constituency is 1,74,437. This includes 89,602 male voters, 84,825 female voters, and 10 third-gender voters. For the by-election, a total of 194 polling booths have been set up at 66 locations. These include 10 model polling booths, one all-women-managed booth, one eco-friendly “green” booth, and one booth operated by PWD staff. Additionally, 13 booths have been declared critical, where paramilitary forces will be deployed.

Home Voting Held for Seniors, Disabled, and Medically Unfit; 239 Voters Participate

Home voting was conducted to facilitate senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and voters with medical issues. A total of 239 voters participated in this initiative. The CEO stated that voting will take place on June 19 from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Counting of votes will begin at 8:00 AM on June 23. This will occur at Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, which has been designated as the counting center. He added that security checkpoints have been established at 54 locations across the constituency. Security forces are closely monitoring all activities.