CEO meets representatives of political parties for special summary revision of electoral rolls...

Chandigarh, January 18: Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab Dr. S. Karuna Raju today held meeting with representatives of various political parties after the completion of Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls, which was attended by the representatives of Indian National Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Raju informed that final publication of electoral rolls will be done on January 31. "During this campaign, the main focus was on removal of repeat/multiple entries/demographically similar entries and removal of entries of permanently shifted electors and deceased electors from electoral rolls", he said, adding that the political parties were asked to raise objections regarding the draft of the electoral rolls.

And, the representatives of political parties expressed satisfaction over the draft electoral rolls. But, They expressed inability to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and assured that all parties will appoint BLAs shortly. Representatives also expressed satisfaction over marking of PwD (People with disability) voters in electoral rolls and field preparation of Election Commission.

CEO meets representatives of political parties

CEO also apprised that if any voter left out, he/she can be registered as voter in Continuation Updation of electoral rolls program. Any left out person can apply anytime for register as a voter and he/she can also apply on NPA. There is a misconception that registration process is closed after the Special Summary Revision, rather the process to become voter is never stops and continued for 365 days and 24 hours.

Dr. Raju exhorted representatives of all the political parties to work towards the ethical voting and practices during election campaigns. Emphasizing on 'Every eligible person should be voter Program', the CEO urged all the leaders to encourage people to become voters and exercise their constitutional right in voting process. He said that during this campaign name of eminent personalities from the field of art, culture, journalism, sports, judiciary, public services and Person with Disabilities highlighted and Flagged in Electoral Rolls.

He said that this time the focus has been on the registration of Transgender/Third Gender Community, NRIs and the youth as a voter. Divulging further, Dr. Raju said that commission will organize special display of EVMs and VVPAT Machines on important places in coming days. CEO assured that minimum required facilities would be provided on all polling booths besides improving the physical conditions. Representatives of all the political parties expressed satisfaction on the election process so far and assured to comply with the guidelines of Election Commission during the elections.