Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Goel and South Goa Collector & District Election Officer Egna Cleetus convened a meeting with nodal officers to review law and order and overall preparedness for the bye-election to the 21-Ponda Assembly Constituency.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including ADM (Law & Order), SP South, SP (Election), DySP and representatives of various departments, was informed that adequate security arrangements are in place. Two Additional District Magistrates have already been appointed, while Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams and Sector Magistrates have been deployed. Officials also stated that no vulnerable or critical polling stations have been identified.
Authorities reviewed polling personnel deployment and training schedules, along with EVM and VVPAT management. Randomisation and secure storage of machines are being carried out in strict adherence to Election Commission guidelines. Arrangements for postal ballots, including home voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, were also discussed.
The role of the District Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) in tracking media coverage and curbing paid news was highlighted during the meeting. Officials further informed that no complaints have been received so far on the C-VIGIL app.
The CEO directed that home voting be completed within the stipulated timeline and stressed that cancellation of election duty would be permitted only on genuine grounds. The District Election Management Plan was also launched after the meeting.
Officials assured that all necessary arrangements are in place for the free, fair and smooth conduct of the bye-election to the 21-Ponda Assembly Constituency.
