Officials told to ensure free and fair council bypolls in Bhojpur and Buxar

Buxar: Ahead of the Bihar Legislative Council bypoll for local body constituencies in Bhojpur and Buxar scheduled for May 12, the district administration on Monday held a detailed briefing session for polling personnel at the Collectorate conference hall.The session was jointly chaired by district election officer-cum-district magistrate Sahila and superintendent of police Shubham Arya. Polling teams, presiding officers, sector magistrates, zonal and super-zonal magistrates, along with police officials, participated in the programme.Addressing the officials, the DM said the administration’s primary objective is to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling. She underlined that elections are a fundamental pillar of India’s democratic system and urged all personnel to discharge their duties with sincerity, vigilance and commitment.Officials on election duty were instructed to strictly adhere to guidelines and ensure smooth conduct of polling. The DM described presiding officers as the “captains” of the polling process and directed them to maintain order and prevent disputes at polling stations.She also asked magistrates and police personnel to enforce the restriction on entry of unauthorised persons within a 200-metre radius of polling stations. Bodyguards or associates accompanying voters will not be permitted inside the restricted zone.The administration said voters can verify their identity using the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), any other valid photo identity document linked to the elector, or identity cards issued by local authorities.A total of 11 polling stations have been set up at block offices across the district. The electorate comprises local authority members, including MPs, MLAs, district council members, Panchayat Samiti members, Mukhiyas, ward members and representatives of urban local bodies.According to the administration, Buxar has 2,303 voters, including 1,083 men and 1,220 women. Polling will be conducted from 8am to 4pm.