Delhi CEO office has installed webcams at all sensitive polling booths in the national capital to ensure smooth conduct of the voting on May 25, said the Delhi Chief Election Officer (CEO) P. Krishnamurthy.
Speaking to Patriot, Krishnamurthy also underlined several initiatives taken by the election commission to increase voter turnout in the city.
Excerpts from an interview:
Could you outline the measures taken by election commission to ensure the smooth conduct of elections?
Elections in Delhi are slated for May 25, and extensive preparations are underway to ensure their smooth conduct. These involve mobilising over one lakh personnel, including sector officers, micro-observers, assistant expenditure observers, expenditure observers, flying squads, and static surveillance teams. Control rooms are being manned 24×7. We have adequate electronic voting machines for the 13,000 polling stations. Preparations include commissioning of machines and completion of first randomisation. Necessary forms, documents, and registers are being prepared, and contracts for setting up polling stations have been finalised.
Considering that the last parliamentary elections in Delhi recorded a voter turnout of 60%, how does the election commission plan to enhance voter turnout this year?
We are optimistic about increasing the voter turnout. The electoral roll has been updated after removing names of the deceased or voters who have shifted out of the city permanently. New voters, particularly women, have been added, increasing the gender ratio from 818 in 2019 to 851. The number of first-time voters has also increased significantly. Awareness and education activities under the SWEEP program have been conducted, targeting various population segments. A major advertising campaign is also underway. We appeal to citizens’ sense of duty and patriotism to participate in the electoral process.
What steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of voters and polling personnel during the election?
Standard security protocols will be in place with adequate deployment of central paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, and Home Guards. There will be sufficient security at all polling locations throughout Delhi. There is no cause for concern as Delhi has not had any history of security issues during elections.
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Yes, sensitive or critical polling stations — about 2,800 in number — will have 100% webcasting. This will include live streaming of proceedings inside and outside the polling stations, allowing real-time monitoring by returning officers and the CEO’s office.
Are measures for home voting being taken for senior citizens and persons with disabilities as in the previous elections?
Yes, facilities for home voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities will continue as before. Those opting for home voting will be visited by our teams along with representatives of political parties. Additionally, a pick-up and drop facility will be provided for those who wish to vote in person, ensuring they can vote without waiting in queues.
What initiatives are being taken to address violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the polling period?
Teams at each returning officer’s office will handle MCC violations. Flying squads at each assembly constituency level will respond to violations and report findings. The cVIGIL app allows citizens to report violations, which are then investigated by the nearest flying squad. Reports of violations are handled promptly, with necessary actions taken as per the enquiry results.
Could you share specific strategies to encourage youth participation in the elections?
Engagement with youth includes visits to colleges and universities, enrolment camps, to encourage participation in the electoral process. Similar camps have also been organised for women voters, particularly in areas with low turnout. We hope these efforts will lead to a higher voter turnout among youth and women.
How is the election commission addressing the challenges posed by the scorching heat in Delhi during the elections?
We are strengthening arrangements to deal with the heat. Shaded areas at polling locations will be enhanced with air coolers and mist fans. Cold drinking water will be available, and paramedics with basic medical kits will be deployed at all polling stations. A crèche facility will be provided for children accompanying their mothers.
What message would you like to convey to the residents of Delhi regarding participation in the democratic process?
We appeal to all Delhi voters to participate in this festival of democracy. Voting is a fundamental right and a privilege for citizens, who get to choose government and representatives. It is also a duty and responsibility. We hope citizens will exercise their vote and contribute to the democratic process.
