Ensure smooth conduct of Uttarakhand panchayat polls: Election Commissioner

DEHRADUN: State Election Commissioner Subardhan has asked poll observers to conduct Panchayat elections scheduled to be held in Uttarakhand later this month objectively and with total transparency.

At a meeting held with election observers here yesterday, the state election commissioner said they play an important role during elections and asked them to ensure participation of the poorest person in the poll process, an official release here said.

Directing them to study all rules and regulations related to polls, Subardhan said it will help them conduct elections better.

He gave directions to the observers to hold meeting of election officers, police officials and zonal magistrates to ensure compliance with code of conduct, peace and order, security arrangements, arrangements of distribution of election material.

He also asked them to keep an eye on sensitive areas. Panchayat polls are scheduled to be held in Uttarakhand in three phases on June 18, 21 and 24 on a total of 10,516 polling booths set up across the state.