THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 19
Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, revealed on Tuesday the implementation of a robust seizure management system, leading to seizures of cash and narcotics worth 113.45 crores since March 1. Addressing a press conference, he highlighted efforts to prevent the misuse of muscle and money power, including the deployment of 25 companies of paramilitary forces with additional deployments based on threat assessment. Additionally, Sibin C noted 119 complaints received via C-Vigil, with 86 deemed valid and addressed. Measures such as CCTV installations at inter-state checkpoints and flying squads at inter-district checkpoints have been employed. Committing to uphold the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), he disclosed the removal of 24,433 wall writings, 15,653 posters, 7,511 banners, and 23,916 defacements from March 16 to March 18, 2024. Identifying 2,416 polling stations as critical, additional security measures will be taken, along with CCTV installation and centralized monitoring across all stations. Efforts will target increased voter turnout, particularly at around 12,000 polling stations where turnout was lower than national and state averages in Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Ensuring voter facilities, Sibin C directed District Election Officers-cum-Deputy Commissioners to provide essential amenities at polling stations. With Punjab having 2,12,71,246 voters as of March 1, measures to purify electoral rolls have been undertaken, including deleting duplicate entries. Sibin C underscored the media’s crucial role as the eyes and ears of the Election Commission, pledging active engagement to ensure free and fair elections.