STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: State Election Commissioner K.K Sharma on Tuesday informed that 63.08 percent and 59.71 percent voter turnout was recorded on Monday in the Fourth Phase of vacant Panch and Sarpanch By-polls 2020.

‘Strict adherence to MCC guidelines’

JAMMU: State Election Commissioner, K.K Sharma, on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the Action Taken Reports on complaints regarding violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in place in view of the ongoing District Development Council, Panchayat and Municipal By-elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. State Election Commissioner emphasised on brisk utilisation of the services of Surveillance Teams and Flying Squads to keep a check on MCC violations, if any, occurring anywhere in the UT.
KK Sharma urged upon the Deputy Commissioners to keep watch on activities of all the stakeholders and take swift action in case of complaints or violations detected anywhere.
SEC asked the Deputy Commissioners to put in place a proper mechanism for dealing with complaints related to MCC violations. He directed them to utilise the services of Returning Officers and Flying Squads for on spot checking of MCC violations.
KK Sharma further directed the Deputy Commissioners to facilitate public at all levels and provide all necessary facilities to them during polling days. He asked them to set up more polling stations at place.
On the occasion, SEC asked the Nodal Officers to perform their duties with utmost dedication and strictly adhere to the guidelines of ECI. He directed the officers to work in close coordination so that the elections are conducted successfully in a free, fair and transparent manner.
The meeting was attended by all the Deputy Commissioners through video conferencing.
Deputy Commissioners gave a brief about the action taken with regard to the complaints taken with regard to Model Code of Conduct guidelines. It was also apprised that thorough investigation has been initiated and action under rules taken up against those found involved.
Pertinently, State election Commission had received several complaints from different quarters with regard to alleged deviation from the MCC guidelines through written representations, Social Media like Whatsapp, twitter, etc.
Accordingly, the complaints were processed and sent to the respective Deputy Commissioners (District Panchayat Election Officers) who were directed to do the required action as warranted under the MCC guidelines.

While giving out the details, SEC informed that by-poll for Panch vacant seats were held in 215 constituencies in the 4th phase. A total 33,188 electors (including 17,292 males and 15,896 females) out of which 20,936 voted in the 4th phase of Panch By-Elections which began at 7am and ended at 2pm. Jammu division recorded 82.29% and Kashmir division recorded 62.31% voter turnout during the 4th phase of Panch by-elections.
Similarly, 59.71% voting was registered on vacant Sarpanch constituencies, during the 4th phase, in 50 constituencies in which total 40158 electors (including 21,020 males and 19138 females) out of 67,256 voted to choose their representatives. 76.53%polling was registered in Jammu division whereas 46.23% voting was recorded in Kashmir division.
SEC further said that in Jammu division, Kishtwar district recorded the highest voter turnout of 97.59% for Panch by-elections followed by Jammu with 84.19% and Doda with 83.73%. Similarly, Budgam district topped with 65.35% voter turnout in Kashmir division followed by Kupwara with 64.87% and Ganderbal with 63.75%.
In Sarpanch by-polls elections, Ganderbal recorded the highest voter turnout with 67.45% in Kashmir division followed by Baramulla with 61.76% and Kupwara with 61.13%.Reasi topped the polling percentage with 83.62% in Jammu division followed by Jammu with 83.35% and Rajouri with 83.16% in 4th phase of elections.
SEC also informed that polling was held at 210 polling stations including 134 in Kashmir division and 76 in Jammu division for Sarpanch by-polls and at 215 polling stations including 207 in Kashmir division and 8 in Jammu division for panch elections.
While giving an overview of the polling process, SEC said that the polling was peaceful and smooth across the region at all polling stations in the 4th phase.