The District Administration of Chumoukedima organised a special summary revision for BLOs under Chumoukedima, Niuland and Medziphema district on 19th August, 2024 at DPDB hall, DC Office, Chumoukedima.
During the meeting, DC, Chumoukedima, Polan John, NCS stated that over the years ECI has been introducing new initiatives, programs and activities to manage electoral process but one of the most successful initiative is the concept of BLO which was introduced in 2006 and since then it has become an integral part of election management. He said that the role of the BLO is very crucial in the setting up of election management. ECI gives new directives and so the officers must be updated with the latest instructions and parameters and be tech savvy to handle apps, as everything is done through online or portal.
He stated that it is imperative to have a clean electoral roll in order to conduct a clean election, it has to be accurate and up to date, so that it will reflect the factual details for all the electoral and this summary is the best opportunity to cleanse our election system by rectifying the facts, by deleting transferred or expired entries and updating new eligible voters into the system. He said that although the Election Commission or CEO may come up with multiple booklets with instructions, ultimately it is the responsibility of the BLO to execute instructions properly at the grassroot level.
He asserted that, now that all information is accessible online, the performance of the BLO can monitored on the dashboard, therefore, he urged the concerned officers to responsibly carry out their assignments and not be laid back in the summary revision, they have to ensure that electoral process is strictly followed and conducted smoothly.
He also highlighted on the registration of roll and gender disparity which needs to be cross checked. The BLO is the primary interface of the public, so they have to be forthcoming and responsive to the public in helping and guiding them so things are done properly. He also pointed out the importance of summary revision of house to house survey, and requested all BLOs to mandatorily visit each household and find out the actual status of the household under their jurisdiction. He reminded the BLOs that personal preferences should not interfere with their official work or misuse their privileges, but they should be neutral, impartial and transparent. In conclusion the DC encouraged all to work together and show that there is error free electoral roll and a healthy electoral roll that will bring improvement in the election management process.
ADC, Chumoukedima Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo and ADC, Medziphema also highlighted the activities and role of the BLOs.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
