Ahead of poll State media under scanner
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 29 2014: In spite of observing that there is no sign of either print or television media of the State publishing/televising news report favouring certain candidates or political parties, Chief electoral officer (CEO) O nabakishore said strong instruction has been issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to constantly monitor media activities in the run-up to the general elections.

At a weekly briefing of mediapersons held today at the Moirangkhom office premises of Department of Information and Public Relations, CEO Nabakishore said with the ECI focused on weeding out the ills of paid news that have been posing threat to Indian democracy the State Election Office has also received official intimations to minutely examine contents of news items or comments that could influence the voters.

As part of the pre-emptive measures, directive has been issued to upload particular news items seemingly or suspectedly favouring individual candidates or political organisations on the ECI or CEO websites for further scrutiny, said the CEO.

Informing that a two-day training programme for Deputy Commissioners, Additional DCs and Sub Divisional Officers in connection with the upcoming Parliamentary elections commenced from today at the CEO's office in Lamphelpat, Nabakishore also said that name of eligible electors not listed in this year's electoral roll publication may process for inclusion by submitting duly filled Form-VI to the SDO concerned.

Stating that the ECI has been informed about possible requirement of around 150 companies of central para-military force personnel in case Parliamentary election to the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur is conducted in a single phase and half the security force strength is held in two phases, he also opined that despite possibility of two-phase polling in the State the final decision on the issue will rest with the ECI.

Along with conveying that he would be presenting a power point projection about Manipur's preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha election at a special meeting of CEOs scheduled on February 10 at the national capital, Nabakishore said piteous telecommunication network in the hill districts would be highlighted at the meeting to urge for both mobile network improvement and use of satellite phone during the polling process.

While DCs concerned have been instructed to furnish 'election plan' for the respective districts within January 31 discussions have been held to assign election duty to lady personnel of various Government departments, he maintained.

Pointing out that six political organisations have approached the High Court to either ensure that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) have voter verifiable paper trial facility or replace the EVMs with ballot papers in the upcoming polls, Nabakishore said as respondents in the PIL the ECI and CEO have been asked to furnish relevant report within six weeks.

It is said that irrespective of the PIL the first level checking of EVMs had already been carried out.

Comment