Northeast Desk, 13th February: A delegation from the Election Commission of India, led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Dharmendra Sharma, conducted a visit to Sikkim on February 11th and 12th, 2024, to evaluate the state’s preparedness for the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha and Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
On February 11th, the delegation convened a meeting with State Nodal Officers from various Enforcement Agencies responsible for Election Expenditure Monitoring. Deliberations focused on formulating an Action Plan for the General Elections 2024, with an emphasis on curtailing the movement of cash, liquor, drugs, freebies, and other items that could influence voters. Officers were instructed to enhance their monitoring mechanisms and share intelligence for effective coordination.
Following this, a meeting with top state officials, including the Chief Secretary, DGP, and others, addressed overall preparedness aspects such as manpower availability, facilities in polling stations, law and order, police deployment, enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and budget provisions. The Chief Secretary and DGP assured the delegation of the state government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and orderly elections.
On February 12th, the delegation engaged with District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to assess district-level preparedness. Detailed presentations covered electoral rolls, printing of EPIC, identification of critical polling stations, manpower training, facilities in polling stations, strong room arrangements, and election expenditure monitoring. Senior Deputy Election Commissioners stressed adherence to ECI instructions and performance benchmarks.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity and transparency in electoral rolls, the delegation urged a focus on women voters, young voters, Persons with Disabilities, and other vulnerable sections. They also informed about IT-based applications for General Elections 2024 to ensure accessible voting facilities.
In a concluding meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer, the delegation discussed overall preparedness and law & order maintenance during elections, emphasizing training and capacity building for error-free elections.
Senior Deputy Election Commissioners concluded by urging all members of the election machinery to gear up for free and fair elections, ensuring seamless coordination among all agencies involved in facilitating smooth and peaceful General Elections 2024 in Sikkim.
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