ECI to review LS poll preparedness tomorrow for J&K
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to evaluate the preparedness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, including the ongoing Special Summary Revision. In a virtual meeting scheduled for December 5, CEO PK Pole, along with 20 Deputy Commissioners designated as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), will discuss the state’s electoral readiness.
Previously, on December 1, the CEO had conducted a review with all 20 DCs and SSPs, and now the Election Commission aims to comprehensively assess the preparations. The officials emphasize the significance of meticulous planning, given the historical attempts from across the border to disrupt elections in the region.
The primary focus at present is on the ongoing Special Summary Revision, anticipated to conclude soon, with final electoral rolls set to be published on January 8. Following this, preparations such as finalizing polling stations, staff deployment, and security arrangements will commence. Discussions on the required number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for the five parliamentary seats in the Union Territory are underway.
The Election Commission anticipates an electorate of around 9 million in Jammu and Kashmir after the publication of the final electoral rolls. The region comprises five parliamentary seats, presently held by the National Conference and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The upcoming elections are likely to be conducted in five phases, with each Lok Sabha seat going to polls in a specific phase. This phased approach aims to rotate security forces efficiently, as the availability of additional forces from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is limited during nationwide parliamentary polls. However, some paramilitary forces may be allocated to ensure peaceful polling in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amid discussions, officials assure the availability of a sufficient number of EVMs, with flexibility for additional machines based on the number of polling stations. The finalization of the number of polling booths will be a collaborative effort between the Election Commission and District Election Officers.
The Special Summary Revision, conducted after the delimitation exercise, saw final rolls published on November 25, 2022, with another revision and publication on May 27, 2023. The delimitation exercise concluded on May 5, 2022, marking a significant step in the electoral process for Jammu and Kashmir, which has been without an elected government for nearly five and a half years.
