Punjab CEO exhorts all DCs to surpass 70% voter turnout in Lok Sabha polls

Chandigarh: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab Sibin C held a crucial meeting on Friday with all the Deputy Commissioners-Cum-District Election Officers of the state through video conferencing regarding the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. He exhorted all the Deputy Commissioners to achieve the target of surpassing a 70 percent vote percentage (iss baar 70 paar) this time.

Sibin C emphasized that all the Deputy Commissioners should intensify efforts to secure more than 70 percent of the votes. He said the need to identify areas where the voting percentage had decreased during the previous elections among the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and to work on increasing the voter turnout in those areas.

To achieve this goal, Sibin C asked the utilization of publicity mobile vans, awareness campaigns, and other means provided by the Election Commission. He directed for the further intensification of activities to increase the vote percentage and motivate people to exercise their right to vote as much as possible.

Furthermore, Sibin C directed that the importance of promptly addressing any complaints received on election days within the time limit set by the Election Commission of India. He instructed all districts to conduct regular meetings with political party representatives to familiarize them with the rules and instructions of the Election Commission of India, thereby reducing the number of complaints.

The Chief Electoral Officer also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to verify the votes of important individuals in the district to ensure no issues arise during the election process. He informed that assistant returning officers (AROs) from all 117 assembly constituencies of Punjab had undergone training in Chandigarh and Amritsar from February 12 to 16 to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections.

Sibin C further urged all Deputy Commissioners- cum-District Election Officers to conduct the Lok Sabha Elections-2024 in a fair and transparent manner. He thoroughly reviewed all aspects related to the elections and sought feedback and views from the Deputy Commissioners. The majority of Deputy Commissioners affirmed that election preparations had been completed, with any deficiencies in certain districts assured to be rectified promptly.