BANDIPORA, MARCH 24: Election Expenditure Observer appointed by the Election Commission of India for J&K, Arjun Laal Meena arrived at Bandipora on Sunday and reviewed the election preparedness.
District Election Officer Bandipora, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza briefed the Observer about the arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the elections. He said different committees have been constituted with regard to the monitoring of election expenditure, media monitoring, randomization of EVM/VVPAT, machines besides flying squads and surveillance teams.
The Observer stressed on the officials to work with utmost dedication and in close coordination with each other to ensure smooth conduct of the election process. He asked the Expenditure Committee to keenly observe the election related expenditure made by the political parties and candidates in order to ensure free and fair elections besides implementation of Model Code of Conduct in letter and spirit.
The Observer said each candidate should maintain accounts of expenditure incurred from the date of filing of nominations and file the accounts with the DEOs within 30 days from the day of declaration of results. He said all expenditure should be meted out from a separate bank account opened for the purpose and said the directions issued by the Election Commission of India should be strictly adhered to by performing the assigned duties properly.
The Observer later inspected the Media Cell of Media Certification and Monitoring Committee where members of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee monitor advertisements and other propaganda material of candidates and political parties. He also visited Election Control Room and Election Cell and inspected the arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the elections.
