Collector: Focus on post-poll vigil

District Election Officer and Collector Dr A. Mallikarjuna underscored the importance of efficient management in ensuring smooth post-election procedures during a meeting held at the Collectorate meeting hall on Friday morning.  Addressing various pertinent issues, the focus of the meeting revolved around the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to designated strong rooms post-polling, completion of essential technical processes, and other related matters.
Dr Mallikarjuna underscored the rigorous security measures implemented to safeguard the integrity of EVMs containing deposited votes securely stored within designated strong rooms at Andhra University. Mallikarjuna highlighted that the sealing of these strong rooms was meticulously carried out on May 14th, 2024, with the process extensively documented through videography to ensure transparency and accountability.
To bolster security, a sophisticated network of Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) has been installed, diligently surveilling both the entrance and premises of the strong rooms. Complementing this electronic vigilance, a robust three-tier security perimeter has been established, comprising Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), State Armed Police, and Civil Police personnel. Moreover, control rooms have been set up in the outer ring to enhance supervisory capacity over the strong room enclosures. Monitors within these control rooms facilitate real-time monitoring of CCTV footage, ensuring constant vigilance over the sanctity of the electoral process. In adherence to transparency and fairness principles, Dr Mallikarjuna noted that contesting candidates or their appointed agents have been granted the prerogative to inspect CCTV footage at specified intervals daily, escorted by police personnel and officials.
During these inspections, stringent guidelines are to be observed, with any tampering strictly prohibited to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the general elections in the district, Dr. Mallikarjuna commended the collective efforts of all involved and urged for continued cooperation during the counting process.
He stressed the importance of security and instructed Returning Voting Officers (RVOs) to conduct daily reviews of security arrangements at the strong rooms housing the EVMs. Additionally, he emphasized regular communication with contesting candidates and adherence to Election Commission regulations regarding the timely delivery and secure handling of postal ballots. Measures were also discussed to segregate postal ballots from other districts for further processing.
The District Election Officer advocated for the prompt resolution of any pending technical matters ahead of the counting process, emphasizing the significance of comprehensive training sessions to ensure the preparedness of officials and staff. Stressing coordination and preparedness, he cautioned against any disruptions during the result declaration and underscored the necessity of adequate staffing for a successful process.