BILASPUR,CG,BHARAT: State Election Commissioner, Chhattisgarh Ajay Singh on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth and secure elections while addressing potential challenges.

He directed officials to maintain peace, enhance voter awareness, and ensure a transparent and fair voting process.

A review meeting on the preparations for upcoming local body elections in Bilaspur and Surguja divisions was held at the Bilaspur Collectorate's brainstorming hall.

Divisional commissioners, inspectors general of police, collectors, superintendents of police, and deputy district election officers from both divisions were present in the meeting.

The meeting focused on key aspects of the election process, including security arrangements, polling station conditions, and overall preparations.

Singh highlighted that the ongoing schedule for electoral roll revisions will conclude on November 27. He instructed officials to ensure all eligible individuals who turned 18 by October 1, 2024, are included in the voter lists. He further stressed that names from the Election Commission of India’s list must also be incorporated into the rolls for local body elections to avoid discrepancies.

Guidelines issued by the Election Commission were reviewed for compliance. Collectors and superintendents from all districts provided updates on their preparations through presentations. Singh urged officers to continually assess their readiness, noting that follow-up meetings for Raipur and Durg divisions are scheduled for November 29, and for Jagdalpur division on December 4. A state-level meeting involving the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police will finalize preparations before the election schedule is announced.

The Commissioner also underscored the importance of robust security measures, law and order, and ensuring proper facilities at polling stations, including staff deployment and availability of materials. Coordination among officials and timely communication with political party representatives were also prioritized to ensure a seamless election process.