Election Commission Special Observers Inspect Chhattisgarh Election Preparations

• Ensuring Free and Fair Elections: Special Observers Review Election Preparations

TFP Bureau, Raipur; Nov 5, 2023: Ahead of the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections, the Special Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India conducted a comprehensive review of election preparations in various assembly constituencies of the first phase. The team of observers included Special General Observer Mr. Dharmendra S. Gangwar (former IAS), Special Expenditure Observer Mr. Rajesh Tuteja (former IRS), and Police Observer Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma (former IPS). They visited and inspected election-related preparations in the districts of Rajnandgaon, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, North Bastar Kanker, and Kondagaon.

Electoral Officer Leads the Review: Ensuring Inclusive Voting

The review was led by Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, who oversaw the preparations for the elections by holding meetings with divisional and district-level officers. She inspected polling stations and took steps to ensure a smooth voting process for all voters.

During the review, Mrs. Kangale emphasized the importance of conducting free and fair elections without inducements or fear. She directed District Election Officers and Police Officers to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, making it easier for all eligible citizens to cast their votes.

Security and Guidelines: Observers Give Essential Directions

Special Observers Dharmendra S. Gangwar, Rajesh Tuteja, and Anil Kumar Sharma visited Rajnandgaon and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki districts earlier and reviewed election preparations. They sought information about law and order and security arrangements, offering guidance on comprehensive security measures in highly sensitive areas.

They also prioritized security arrangements to ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without fear. The observers gathered information about the resolution of cases related to C-Vigil and Model Code of Conduct violations.

Voter Awareness and Campaigns

As part of their role, the observers assessed voter awareness campaigns and the fulfillment of the Election Commission’s goal that no voter should be left out. They reviewed the work of various teams involved in these campaigns, including FST (Flying Squad Teams), VVT (Vigilance and Awareness Teams), SST (Static Surveillance Teams), C-Vigil, and MCMC (Media Certification and Monitoring Committee).

Sweep Program for Voter Awareness

Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Special General Observer Dharmendra S. Gangwar, Special Police Observer Anil Kumar Sharma, Special Expenditure Observer Rajesh Tuteja, and other officials joined the sweep program at Vikasnagar Stadium in Kondagaon, organized for voter awareness.

During this event, an oath was administered for free, fair, and peaceful elections. Attendees pledged to cast their votes without any influence based on factors such as religion, class, caste, community, or language.

Signature Campaign for 100 Percent Voting

The program included a signature campaign under the banner of “100 Percent Voting.” All observers took part in the campaign and encouraged everyone to cast their votes on November 7. They commended the voter awareness campaign conducted in the district and admired the artworks created during painting, mehndi, and rangoli competitions, all organized to inspire voters to exercise their franchise.