As Jammu parliamentary constituency is all set to go to polls tomorrow amid multiple layers of security, J&K Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P K Pole has exuded confidence that the polling percentage will cross voter turnout rate recorded during last election.
He was replying to the media queries, after visiting the strong room established at M A M College, on the eve of polling day here.
Last time in 2019, over seventy percent polling was registered, what percentage he was anticipating in 2024, witnessing the poll exuberance this time, in response to this question, the Chief Electoral Officer asserted, “Definitely, the percentage, you’ve mentioned will be crossed this time. I can say it with guarantee as there is great enthusiasm among people, including women and first-time voters.
Area (constituency) is urbanised, there is no difficulty as such. Even the candidates and political parties have exuberantly campaigned. They have reached out to voters in every nook and corner of the constituency and activated them. Their workers are also pro-active. Given this scenario, I believe that we’ll definitely cross the voting percentage mentioned by you.”
NO MAJOR CHALLENGES IN SECOND PHASE
With regard to the second phase, Pole stated that there were no major challenges as the districts, which formed part of this parliamentary constituency, mainly comprised plain areas.
“Maximum area of Jammu, Samba, Reasi districts is a plain belt. Only the area in Mahore (in Reasi district) and Kalakote (of Rajouri district) is hilly. There is no connectivity issue in this area (parliamentary constituency). As far as weather prediction is concerned, there may be light showers in certain areas. Otherwise there is no major difficulty in these areas,” Pole said.
“Our only concern is to ensure maximum participation of voters in the electoral exercise. We have made all-out efforts to make the entire electoral process a seamless exercise for the convenience of voters. Therefore I want to appeal to the electorate that they should at least come out of their houses to vote in their designated polling stations in their own Mohallas (localities). There is a maximum urbanised area in this constituency. Still to facilitate voters, we have established a polling station almost in every Mohalla. We’ve worked hard to create all these facilities for the electorate. They (voters) should ensure to exercise their right to vote in their nearby (designated) polling station,” he said.
‘FIRST-TIME VOTERS WILL HAVE ENRICHING EXPERIENCE’
Responding to a question related to the first-time voters, CEO said, “Definitely, the first-time voters have registered themselves as voters, not just for the heck of it. Their purpose would not be just to get an EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card) or see their names in the voter-list. For sure, they’ve become voters to cast their valuable vote and tomorrow will be the day to exercise their right to vote. I appeal to all, particularly the first-time voters, who are in the age-group of 18-22, that they should exercise their right to vote. They will definitely feel empowered. I assure you that they will get an enriching experience, which generates a wonderful feeling inside. We’ve made every possible effort to create the best of the facilities, which will ensure an amazing experience for you (voters) in the polling stations.”
ALL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE
About special security arrangements put in place in the wake of recent target killing in Rajouri, Pole said, “In this area, there are no security related difficulties to that extent. The areas (Rajouri-Poonch), which you have mentioned, have security-related challenges. We will definitely take care of those challenges.”
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE FOR WOMEN
In response to a query about special arrangements for women voters, CEO said that ten all-women polling stations (Pink polling stations) were established in four districts of Jammu parliamentary constituency. In these polling stations, the polling staff and security personnel would comprise only women.
“Women excel in every field. They can efficiently handle even the conduct of elections, which is a critical activity. We are making an effort to demonstrate this fact through these all-women polling stations. Also we are conveying a message to our fifty-percent population (of women) that if they can conduct an election; they can definitely cast their vote. This is not difficult work. We have set up separate toilets for women. They’ll have separate queues for them. If a lactating mother, along with her child, comes to cast a vote, we have a special provision that she doesn’t have to stand in queues. They can immediately cast a vote and leave,” he stated.
As per the official statistics, a total of 17,80, 835 lakh voters have been enrolled in phase II, including 9,21,095 male and 8,59,712 female voters besides 28 third gender electorates. There are around 10498 Persons with Disability and 666 persons above the age of 100 years who will also be exercising their franchise.
Around 2,416 polling stations have been set up across 4 districts of Jammu, Samba, Reasi and Rajouri (83- Kalakote-Sunderbani), out of these 36 polling stations are P-2.
The election staff, including Presiding Officers will be stationed in every polling station. In total, more than 15,000 polling staff, including reserves, will be deployed on duty on the polling day. Among the districts, Jammu has 50 while Samba has around 12 border polling stations.
FACILITIES AT POLLING STATIONS
Every polling station will be provided with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, electricity, toilet, ramp, furniture, verandah/shed besides wheelchairs will also be provided to the needy. The ballot unit will also have a list of contesting candidates in Braille script. Where ever required, there will be separate queues for senior citizens and specially-abled persons facilitating them with early polling. Additionally, there will be a voter help desk, manned by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO).
BOOTHS TO BE MANNED BY SPECIALLY-ABLED, YOUTH
10 polling booths manned by specially-abled persons and 9 by youths. Also, there will be 12 green polling stations in order to spread messages about environmental concern. “The purpose behind these special polling stations is to spread awareness among sections of society like specially abled, first time young voters to come forward and exercise their right to vote,” officials said.
In addition to the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), 12 types of documents will also be allowed to verify a voter and allow him to vote. EPIC cards are not mandatory for voting. The requisite documents included Aadhaar card; MGNREGA job card; pass books with photograph; Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour; driving license; PAN card; Smart card issued by RGI under NPR; Indian Passport; Pension document with photograph; Service Identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State government/PSUs/Public Limited companies; official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, issued by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry.
