Presiding and Polling Officers Get Hands-on Training on Electronic Voting Machines

Namchi, October 24 (IPR): The first round of training for Presiding and Polling Officers, in preparation for the forthcoming Bye-Elections, was conducted today at the auditorium hall of Namchi Senior Secondary School.
The training was facilitated by Ms Bhumika Chettri, Deputy Secretary of Elections and State Level Master Trainer (SLMT), along with Ms Vaishnu Rai, Deputy Director of Agriculture and Assembly Level Master Trainer (ALMT), and Ms Anupama Rai, Deputy Secretary of the Rural Development Department/Assembly Level Master Trainer (ALMT), serving as resource persons.
A total of 57 Presiding and Polling Officers participated in the training.
Throughout the session, Ms Bhumika Chettri, SLMT, provided an overview of the electoral process’s importance, detailing the responsibilities assigned to the presiding and polling officers. She emphasised the necessity of training to ensure the election’s fair and smooth execution.
Ms Vaishnu Rai, ALMT, addressed the procedures and preparations for both pre-poll and election day, as well as the essential management protocols that the polling team must adhere to at the polling station. She also highlighted critical instructions, such as the maintenance of the election materials checklist, the Presiding Diary, and various dos and don’ts, to facilitate a seamless electoral process.
Ms Anupama Rai, ALMT, clarified the model features of polling station setup, including provisions for accessibility for persons with disabilities and visually impaired voters.
Subsequently, practical training on Electronic Voting Machines was provided to the participants, enabling them to become acquainted with the equipment and address any uncertainties.