A total of 102 Parliamentary Constituencies spread across 21 states are set for polling on April 19, 2024. The Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Rajiv Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioner Sh. Gyanesh Kumar and Sh. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu has overseen extensive preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
To guarantee transparency and fairness, 127 General Observers, 67 Police Observers, and 167 Expenditure Observers have been deployed across the constituencies. They have all reported to their designated areas well in advance, with instructions to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Rajiv Kumar has issued directives to all observers to ensure that polling stations are equipped with necessary amenities, especially to combat heat and that no inducements are offered close to voting. Additionally, measures have been put in place to optimize the utilization of forces and maintain strict vigilance over law and order.
Central Observers have been tasked with various responsibilities, including ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders, remaining physically available within their allotted constituencies throughout the election process, and overseeing the randomization of deployment of forces, EVMs/VVPATs, and polling personnel.
The Election Commission has also emphasized the importance of robust security arrangements at EVM Strong Rooms, timely redressal of complaints, and proactive dissemination of information to counter fake news and misinformation.
Efforts are underway to curb illegal practices such as cash distribution and ensure pre-certification of political advertisements and paid news through Flying Squads, Statistics Surveillance Teams, and Media Certification and Monitoring Committees.
With meticulous arrangements in place and the commitment of election officials and observers, the Election Commission aims to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the designated constituencies on April 19, 2024, ensuring the integrity of India’s democratic process.
