CEO THANKS PEOPLE OF PUNJAB FOR ENSURING PEACEFUL POLL

Punjab on Sunday witnessed an overall peaceful single-phase poll to elect 117 representatives for assembly constituencies of the state. Till 5 pm, 63.44 voting percentage was recorded in Punjab.

Thanking the people of Punjab for coming out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right, Dr. S Karuna Raju, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab said that by conducting themselves responsibly the people of Punjab have set an excellent example. He said that the focus of ECI was to ensure peaceful poll in a free and fair manner. He said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that 196 all Women polling stations also saw large numbers of voters. Dr. Raju said that the main feature of this election was the deputation of 8784 micro-observers in addition to 65 General Observers, 29 Police observers, and 50 expenditure observers by ECI.

He said that in the morning during the mock poll 146 ballot units, 152 control units, and 433 VVPAT machines were replaced, while 72 ballot units, 64 control units, and 649 VVPATs were replaced during the conduct of the poll.

 He also said that there was not a single case of disruption of poll and inducement of voters that was brought to the notice of the Commission during the day. Dr. Raju thanked all the Polling Personnel,  Security Personnel, and Punjab Police Personnel for working day and night to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polls in the State.

He also thanked 25000 Booth Level Officers (BLO), PWD coordinators, Asha Workers, Aanganwadi workers, Mid-Day-Meal workers, and Village Chowkidars for their contribution to the election process. On Law & Order situation, Dr. Raju said that some minor poll-related incidents were witnessed in the state and a total of 18 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered on the day of polling to avert any untoward incidents.