MARGAO
Sending a message loud and clear that the electoral processes in India are one of the most transparent processes in the world, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that though the electoral rolls are prepared by the Booth Level Officers, they are concurrently audited by the Booth Level Agents appointed by the political parties.
He further pointed out that every stage of the election process is concurrently audited by BLAs, candidates, their polling agents and counting agents.
Kumar’s statement assumes significance against the backdrop of the flak the SIR process has received across the country, including Goa.
Kicking off his two-day visit to Goa with a closed-door interaction with more than 1,000 Booth Level Officers at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Wednesday, the CEC congratulated every elector of Goa for participating in one of the world’s most vibrant and transparent democracies.
Kumar will wind up his two-day visit to the State after another interactive session with members of the Election Literacy Clubs (ELCs) at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Thursday evening.
Addressing the media, the CEC said the electoral rolls in India are prepared by BLOs and concurrently audited by BLAs appointed by national and State-level political parties. Similarly, he said polling at every polling station in India is concurrently audited by candidates or their polling agents.
“Similarly, the counting process in India is concurrently audited by the counting agents of the candidates. The electoral processes in India are among the most transparent processes in the world,” he asserted.
He started the media briefing by addressing the people, saying, “My dear brothers and sisters of Goa and all the electors in one of the most beautiful States in the country.”
He added: “It has been a great experience for me to come to Goa and talk to the pillars of democracy, i.e. the young, dynamic and untiring Booth Level Officers.”
After being welcomed at Ravindra Bhavan by Chief Electoral Officer and South Goa District Electoral Officer Egna Cleetus, the Chief Election Commissioner visited the model polling station and the counting centre, and interacted with election officials and counting agents.
During his interaction with officials at the model polling station, the CEC said, “You are the pillar of transparency when polling takes place.” After interacting with other officials, he appreciated their knowledge and wished them the very best.
Poll date will be announced
when finalised, says CEO
CEC Gyanesh Kumar at a model counting centre installed at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao during his visit to the State.
MARGAO: Goa Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Goel on Wednesday said the media would be informed about the election date for the Goa Legislative Assembly once the election schedule is announced.
The CEO made the comment after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar held his first round of interaction with Booth Level Officers at Ravindra Bhavan on Wednesday.
When the media sought to know whether the CEC had given any indications about the dates for the Goa Assembly elections, he said, “When the schedule comes, we will tell you.”
He said the CEC had interacted with the election machinery, including the BLOs, adding that “the CEC will have a better idea about the Goa election fraternity”.
Meanwhile, South Goa District Electoral Officer Egna Cleetus told the media that the CEC had appreciated the role and efforts of the BLOs and their knowledge of the election process. “The CEC spoke to the BLOs about the concerns and questions they are facing,” she said.
Saying that more than 1,000 BLOs from across the State participated in the exercise on Wednesday, the DEO said the Chief Election Commissioner had sent a message that the electoral roll process was being carried out through a concurrent audit process.
“The BLAs were enabled to submit the forms during the SIR process. This shows that the preparation of the electoral roll was done through a concurrent audit process,” she added.
