The second round of training for polling officials in preparation for the upcoming Bye Election of 43 (ST) Tapi Assembly Constituency (AC) in Mon, Nagaland, was conducted at the Town Hall, Mon on October 31, 2023. The training was facilitated by a team of trainers.
During the training session, several crucial points were imparted to the polling officials to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the election:
The importance of establishing separate entrances and exits for voters to maintain the confidentiality of their votes was emphasized. Polling agents should not be positioned in a way that allows them to witness voters casting their votes.
Proper placement of voting compartments was discussed to ensure privacy during the voting process.
The responsibilities of various polling officials were detailed:
1. Setting up the polling station, setting up the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), conducting a mock poll, sealing the EVM machine, conducting the poll, and periodically checking the Control Unit (CU).
2. In charge of the marked copy and the identification of electors.
3. In charge of the indelible ink and issuance of Voter Slips.
4. Handling challenged votes, tendered votes, voting by blind and informed voters, and closing the polling station at the designated time.
The training session commenced with a welcome address by the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DEO) of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS. He provided suggestions on how to conduct and cast votes in a free and fair manner. He advised all polling officials to have a thorough understanding of the election procedures and to be well-prepared.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Mon, Temjennaro Longkumar, and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Returning Officer (RO) of Mon, Rongsenmenla, also provided insights into the peaceful conduct of the Bye Election.
The training session also included hands-on training on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) to familiarize polling officials with the voting equipment.
(DPRO Mon)
