263/2023-2024

Dated Saitual the 22nd  October, 2023:  General Observers, Police Observer, Returning Officers, AROs, and Nodal Officers of Saitual District met yesterday 4:00 PM at the Saitual DC Conference Hall to discuss preparations for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly General Elections 2023.

Dr. Lalngura Tlau, the District Election Officer of Saitual, presided over the meeting and emphasized the paramount importance of conducting a transparent, equitable, and accessible election.

Mr. Giriwar Dayal Singh IAS, the General Observer for 9-Tawi and 8-Chalfilh, underscored the need for Returning Officers to be well-versed in the RO handbook and follow various instruction from ECI. He also inquired about the maintenance of polling materials, which Pi. Mary Rodinpuii, the Nodal Officer for Polling Materials, assured were appropriately stored and organized.

The Nodal Officer for Training Materials received instructions to diligently manage training resources, such as slides, documents, and PowerPoint presentations, and to upload them to a designated website.

To ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their franchise, the General Observer for 9-Tawi and 8-Chalfilh inquired about preparations for postal voting and home voting. Mr. Lalramliana, the Nodal Officer for Postal Ballot, and Mr. Vanlalchaka Hmar, the Nodal Officer for Home Voting, reported that they had received some applications and were being processed.

The Nodal Officer for Transport, Mr Remlalliana Hnamte provided an update on transportation arrangements, detailing the plans for reaching polling stations and other key destinations. The Observer requested a comprehensive route map, which should be shared with their respective observers.

The discussion also encompassed Booth Level Officers (BLOs), emphasizing the need for accurate maintenance of BLO names and contact information.

Concerning strong rooms, it was discussed that all entrances to these rooms should be monitored via closed-circuit television (CCTV) and be accessible to polling teams and the media. The keys to the strong rooms should be in the custody of the Returning Officers, and continuous security presence is mandatory, as per the established protocols.

Subsequently, Mr. Pukhraj Kamal, the Superintendent of Police in Saitual, presented an overview of the security arrangements. He also gave a report on arm license holders identified to deposit their arms of which the District magistrate already issued an order in this regard.

Mr. Naveen Saini IPS, the Police Observer, stressed the importance of efficient communication on polling day, especially with the central control room, and instructed the SP to make necessary arrangements in this regard.

The meeting suggested maintaining logbooks for all Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel and highlighted the significance of rigorous security procedures, including documenting any seizures of prohibited items. Special attention was agreed upon for three critical polling stations in the region.

Concerning polling day, Mr. Kaushal Kishore IAS, the Observer for 21-Lengteng , emphasized the importance of facilitating voting for all and ensuring accessibility. He insisted on providing essential amenities at all polling stations, including wheelchair provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) voters in compliance with the Election Commission of India's directives. The Transport Nodal Officer was also  entrusted with arranging transportation for some voters to reach distant polling stations.

In the context of Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), Mr. Kaushal Kishore noted that while Mizoram boasted high voter turnout, some polling stations in the Ngopa area lagged behind the state average. He urged the implementation of targeted measures in this region.

Furthermore, reports were received from the respective Nodal Officers regarding the operation of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), prevention of defacement of public properties, and provisions for healthcare arrangements. Both the General Observers emphasized the importance of maintaining thorough records and executing their responsibilities with diligence in their respective domains.

In addition to the Observers and Returning Officers, members of the Mizoram Journalist Association also attended this comprehensive discussion. The meeting concluded with an expression of gratitude from Dr. Lalngura Tlau, the District Election Officer of Saitual.