NPF demands fresh polls in all A/Cs
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 21 2012:
Amidst controversy over mass poll violation and indication for re-poll in several polling booths under various constituencies, Naga People's Front (NPF) has demanded fresh elections in all the 60 constituencies of the state.
Addressing media persons at Senapati today after a consultative meeting with the NPF Manipur unit leaders there, Z.Lohe, Political Advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio alleged that "the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) violated the Election Model Code of Conduct and failed to oblige the instruction given by Election Commission of India (ECI)" .
"Make Manipur a model of fair election and go for a fresh election as rampant proxy voting and mass manipulation of photos committed during the recent polls have been found out and witnessed by the ECI officials," Lohe demanded.
He said that ECI should arrange for fresh elections in all the 60 constituencies of the state instead of mere re-poll in certain constituencies because there would also be more rigged-voting and irregularities in polling booths from where complaints have not been lodged and NPF has full confidence over this.
Lohe also came down heavily on the State CEO, accusing him of violating the Election Model Code of Conduct and failure to follow the instruction given by the Central poll panel.
He asserted that the CEO did not invite the 12 NPF candidates, who were in the fray, to participate and witness the recent photo comparison process conducted by the CEO office under the guidelines given by ECI.
The ECI has clearly instructed the CEO that all the candidates of the concerned constituencies should be allowed to witness the photo comparison work, he pointed out.
The press conference was also attended by Zaku Tsiikru, Vice President, NPF; T Mannem, Advisor, NPF; Timikha Kozo, Legal Advisor, NPF and PA Theko, Advisor,NPF, Manipur State Unit, Somi Keishing, Spokesperson, NPF; Solomon, Vice President, NPF, and Vashum, Working President.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio sent his advisor along with three top NPF leaders from Kohima to attend at today's consultative meeting at Senapati in Manipur.