Srinagar : As 24 Assembly constituencies in seven Jammu and Kashmir districts prepare for tomorrow’s first phase of Polling, dispatch centers and polling stations are abuzz with activity, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.
The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be handed over to the polling parties and other essential materials before heading to their designated polling stations across the districts.
“This is called the dispatch day ahead of the voting, and we are fully prepared,” said an Election official overseeing the preparations.
“All polling parties will be handed over EVMs and dispatched to their respective polling stations. We have ensured all essential facilities, such as drinking water, ramps, and wheelchairs, at each station to facilitate a smooth voting experience,” the official told news agency KINS.
To ensure the electoral process runs seamlessly, extensive training has been provided to the polling staff, including zonal and sector magistrates, along with police officers.
“The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are also deployed in the districts to maintain security and order during the polling,” added the official.
With the silence period in effect, political rallies and public meetings have been prohibited for the last 48 hours before polling day, with loudspeakers also banned. The Model Code of Conduct is being strictly enforced to ensure a fair and transparent election process.
Expectations are high for voter turnout across all assembly segments. “We are expecting a huge voter turnout,” an election official stated, emphasizing the efforts made to encourage voter participation.
“Special polling booths have been set up in every segment, including pink polling stations with women officers, green stations for PWD officers, and unique polling stations in areas with a high tribal population.”
The election authorities have focused on voter outreach to ensure maximum participation. “We have ensured 100% distribution of voter slips to all eligible voters,” an official noted, highlighting the efforts made to inform and engage the electorate.
Election observers are continuously monitoring the process to ensure transparency and smooth operations.
Special arrangements were made for home voting. “We saw remarkable participation, with specially-abled and senior citizens casting their votes,” an official remarked.