Imphal, January 14: For ensuring free and fair Assembly elections in the state next month, a joint sitting of state election officers and the representatives of various state apolitical parties was held this afternoon at the secretariat main conference hall.

The joint meeting today, chaired by the state chief electoral officer was attended by representatives of most recognized political parties as well as high ranking officials of the state government.

The meeting mainly discussed implementation of the model code of conduct for the elections and initiation of formation of district level standing committees for successful holding of this election.

Candidates have been asked to limit their expenditure for the forthcoming elections under a ceiling of Rs 3 lakhs.

The chief electoral officer also announced that security escorts would be allotted to each candidate and said there will be special security arrangement in every hypersensitive and sensitive polling station.

The chief electoral officer also disclosed that the electoral rolls of Heingang, Lamlai and Sekmai constituencies were found incorrect; instructions are to be issued to the concerned authorities to make the necessary corrections at the earliest.

Apart from this, a highly placed official source said two observers of the Election Commission of India will be arriving at Imphal on January 16 for the first time to access the state preparation for the elections.

Besides, as per official sources altogether 28 observers will be deployed for the ensuing elections after the formal election notification on January 16 next.

On the other hand, the over all arrangement of required vehicles for the ensuing election will be taken care of by the state police in coordination with transport department, the source added.