CG: Voting to be held via EVM in urban bodies

AMBIKAPUR,INDIA: State Election Commissioner, Chhattisgarh Ajay Singh emphasized the need for extensive publicity regarding the use of EVMs, as voters will cast their votes twice—once for mayor and once for councillor—using the same machine. He urged officials to educate voters about the voting process to ensure clarity and smooth execution.

He was on a one-day review of the preparations for the 2025 general elections of urban bodies and three-tier panchayats at Surguja. He held a meeting with senior district officials at the Collectorate hall and provided necessary guidelines. Secretary of the Commission Dr. Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure and Nodal Officer for Municipal Corporation and Panchayat Elections (Police) O.P. Pal were also present.

Ajay Singh commended the district officials for their arrangements at the strong room, counting centers, and polling stations. Additionally, he directed strict adherence to the code of conduct and timely resolution of any violations.

State Election Commission Secretary Dr. Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure stressed that voting for the posts of mayor, chairman, and councillor will be conducted through EVMs. He instructed officials to conduct EVM demonstrations for voter awareness and to ensure proper arrangements for election staff and security personnel voting via postal ballot.

Divisional Commissioner Narendra Dugga provided updates on election preparedness, ensuring that all measures are in place for peaceful elections. Inspector General of Police Ankit Garg detailed the security arrangements, while the District Collector briefed on logistical and operational aspects, including strong room security, polling station arrangements, and adherence to election protocols.

Additional Collector and Sub-District Election Officer Sunil Nayak shared district-wise election data, noting that urban bodies have 1,34,277 voters and three-tier panchayats have 5,42,354 voters. Among the 173 polling stations in urban areas, 10 have been marked as sensitive. Similarly, out of 1,099 polling stations for the panchayat elections, 77 are sensitive and 12 are highly sensitive.

The meeting also covered arrangements for polling personnel, security measures, EVM management, nomination statuses, strong room safety, ballot paper printing, election training, transport logistics, and other necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process.