Pakyong, 02 April (IPR): A meeting with the Returning Officers of Pakyong District Mr Tashi Chophel and Ms Anupa Tamling and the contesting candidates of five constituencies under Pakyong District was held today in the presence of Mr Pradeep Kumar IAS, General Observer, and Mr Ashish Kumar Pandey IAS, Expenditure Observer, along with Sr SP Pakyong, Mr Tenzing Loden Lepcha, IPS. The meeting took place at the conference hall of Rurban Complex in Pakyong.
During the meeting, Mr Tashi Chophel provided an overview of the Election Commission of India's guidelines that must be adhered to during the campaigning period. He discussed logistical aspects such as rallies, permissions, vehicle regulations, and door-to-door campaigning.
In addition, he informed that a total of 109 Polling Stations have been established in Pakyong District, with five designated as pink booths. He further mentioned that polling in 50% of the polling booths will be webcast and monitored live by the CEO and ECI on poll day to ensure a transparent electoral process.
The home voting and facilitation dates for the 85+, PWD, and employees casting postal ballots were also communicated to the candidates by him.
Sr SP Pakyong Mr Tenzing Loden Lepcha IPS sensitised the audience on various issues, including permit requirements, restrictions on flags, hoardings, and banners, emphasising the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness throughout the electoral process. He urged political parties to seek permits for sensitive areas a day prior to avoid any inconvenience.
Mr Pradeep Kumar IAS, the General Observer, highlighted the importance of conducting fair and free elections and encouraged participants to engage in healthy competition.
Subsequently, Mr Ashish Kumar Pandey, the Expenditure Observer, stressed the necessity for candidates to maintain detailed records of their campaign expenditures. He elaborated on the dos and don'ts of election spending and informed about the operational flying squads, static surveillance teams, video surveillance, and monitoring teams deployed in the field to oversee candidate and party expenses.
Furthermore, he advised strict adherence to the instructions and emphasised the importance of complying with MCC guidelines and expenditure limits put in place for the candidates.
Ms Tenzing Pema, Joint Secretary of the Planning & Development Department and District Level Master Trainer (DLMT), conducted an extensive training session on the Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates.
Similarly, Mr Jayant Thapa, Chief Pay & Accounts Officer, offered detailed guidance on maintaining daily accounts for the contesting candidates.
The contesting candidates, as well as election agents, actively engaged in the meeting by seeking clarifications on the model code of conduct. They effectively raised their concerns and presented grievances to the concerned officers, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
It should be noted that the public with concerns can reach the control room at 03592-200023, which is accessible 24/7.
Following are the numbers of concerned observers of Pakyong District.
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿: Mr Pradeep Kumar, IAS: 8800240301.
𝗟𝗢 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿, Mr. Sonam Zangpo: 9832344784
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿: Mr Ashish Kr Pandey, IRS: 8900239956
𝗟𝗢 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿: Mr Mani Kr Pradhan, 9832085972
𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿: Mr Ranjit Kr Mishra, IPS: 9332602270
𝗟𝗢 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗿: Mr Jigme Bhutia: 8001553687