By Abrar Nabi
Budgam, Nov 10 : The District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Dr. Bila Mohideen Bhat, said on Monday that arrangements have been completed for the conduct of tomorrow’s by-election in the 27th Assembly Segment of Budgam.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Dr. Bhat said there are 1,26,025 registered voters and 173 polling stations in the constituency. He stated that today is P-1 day and all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and polling staff are being dispatched to their respective stations. They are expected to reach by the afternoon.
Dr. Bhat said polling will begin at 7:00 AM tomorrow (November 11) and continue until 6:00 PM. He urged voters to visit their polling stations and cast their votes.
He said there are 17 candidates in the fray and two ballot units will be used during polling. Voter information slips have been distributed, but not having the slip will not prevent anyone from voting. Voters can use any of the 13 approved identity documents, including EPIC, Aadhaar, or driving license.
The DEO added that all 173 polling stations have Assured Minimum Facilities, including ramps, wheelchairs, electricity, and drinking water. Mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling booths; voters can deposit them at designated counters before voting.
To maintain transparency, all polling stations have been declared critical and are under webcasting and CCTV surveillance, with live feeds available in the district control room and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
Dr. Bhat said several model polling stations have been set up, including women-managed, differently-abled-led, green, and youth polling stations.
He added that voter awareness activities under the SVEEP program have been conducted across the district.
Dr. Bhat concluded by urging voters of the 27th Budgam Assembly Segment to participate in the by-election and exercise their right to vote.(KNS).
