Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudhar Reddy convened a meeting with representatives of various political parties on Tuesday, following the announcement of the schedule for the Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency Bye-Election.

Representatives from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the CEO stated that the upcoming bye-election would be conducted under the new electoral reforms introduced by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, which are being rolled out for the first time during the Bihar Assembly Elections and the bye-elections to eight Assembly constituencies across the country.

These reforms aim to enhance voter convenience, transparency, and efficiency in the conduct of elections. The key measures include, capping the number of voters per polling station at 1,200, to reduce overcrowding and improve voter experience. Similarly, affixing colour photographs of contesting candidates on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and ballot units, to help voters easily identify their preferred candidates. Deployment of additional women polling personnel to encourage greater participation of women voters. There is an enhanced accessibility measures for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including ramps, wheelchairs, and pick-up/drop-off facilities.

There will be real-time voter turnout monitoring through digital dashboards and mobile apps for transparent information flow. Similarly, it will be used Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance and GPS-enabled monitoring for sensitive polling stations to prevent malpractice.

The stricter enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will be followed through technology-enabled monitoring teams. Moreover, green election initiatives will be followed such as reducing paper use, promoting digital communication, and encouraging eco-friendly materials at polling stations.

The CEO reviewed the preparedness of various departments to ensure the conduct of free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful elections. He appealed to all political parties to extend full cooperation and strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.

Additional CEO Lokesh Kumar, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, Deputy CEOs Hari Singh and Ms. Satya Vani, and other senior officials participated in the meeting.