LG reviews poll arrangements

NEW DELHI, November 18: Lieutenant Governor Vijai Kapoor today reviewed the preparedness of the Delhi Government and electoral officers to c...

NEW DELHI, November 18: Lieutenant Governor Vijai Kapoor today reviewed the preparedness of the Delhi Government and electoral officers to conduct smooth and peaceful Assembly polls in the Capital.

In a meeting attended by the Deputy Election Commissioner Subhas Pani, Delhi’s Chief Secretary, Chief Electoral Officer and other senior officers, Kapoor said that since electronic voting machines were being used for the first time in six assembly segments, it was imperative that election personnel be fully trained. Training for the staff started from today.

Voters will be given training in the use of voting machines from November 21 as several candidates have expressed apprehension about the ability of the voters to exercise their franchise correctly. Gole Market, Delhi Cantonment and Minto Road are among the six assembly segments in the Capital where the electronic machines are being used.

Kapoor asked the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to ensure that the officers were properly trained and urged them to extend full support — logistical and otherwise — to the returning officers. The LG also asked the DCs to work in close coordination with election observers, appointed by the Government of India, to oversee the election process. The DCs were given overall responsibility for the counting centres.

Other modalities for smooth polling were also discussed. Polling parties were constituted and ballot boxes were made ready for transportation to polling booths. Kits of election material was also prepared.