Chandigarh, March 19 : Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, today held a press conference regarding the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 at his office in sector 17. On this occasion, he expressed the commitment of his office to implement the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in letter and spirit in the state so as to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Revealing details, he highlighted that the state has removed 24,433 Wall Writings, 15,653 Posters, 7,511 Banners, and 23,916 Defacements on Property from March 16 to March 18, 2024.

Seizures Worth 113.45 Crores Since March 1st

He emphasized the elaborate efforts undertaken to prevent the misuse of muscle and money power. In response to a query, he stated that they have deployed 25 companies of paramilitary forces, with additional deployments planned based on threat assessment. He added that they have implemented a robust seizure management system, resulting in seizures worth 113.45 crores since March 1st, 2024.

Furthermore, he reported that they have received 119 complaints via C-Vigil, with 86 complaints found valid and addressed.They have installed CCTV cameras at inter-state checkpoints and deployed flying squads equipped with necessary tools at inter-district checkpoints.

2,416 Critical Polling Stations Identified in State

  Sibin C highlighted that, among the state’s 24,433 polling stations, 2,416 have been identified as critical, necessitating additional security measures. Implementing CCTV installation and centralized monitoring across all polling stations is underway. Efforts will also concentrate on boosting voter turnout, particularly at approximately 12,000 polling stations where turnout was below national and state averages during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, aiming to achieve the objective of ‘Is Vaar 70 Paar’.

He directed District Election Officers-cum-Deputy Commissioners to ensure Drinking Water, Toilets, Signage, Ramp/Wheelchair access, Helpdesk, Voter Facilitation Centre, sufficient Lighting, and Shed facilities at the Polling Stations.

Punjab has a total of 2,12,71,246 voters

          He stated that as on March 1, 2024, Punjab has a total of 2,12,71,246 voters. During the Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls, authorities have actively purged duplicate entries by deleting demographic and photographic similarities. They have regularly convened meetings with political parties at each stage of the electoral roll updating process, offering them opportunities to raise objections.

          During the media interaction, Sibin C emphasised the pivotal role of the media in acting as the eyes and ears of the Election Commission, crucial for conducting elections in a free and fair manner. He expressed the office’s commitment to actively engage with the media to receive as well as to disseminate critical information to the public.