Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail to be introduced in forthcoming Assembly polls
Pol parties complain against massive recruitment drives
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2016: Many political parties have lodged complaints with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the massive recruitment drives being carried out by the State Government.

Meanwhile Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr Nasim Zaidi has announced that Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) would be introduced in the forthcoming State Assembly election.

After collecting reports about the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming election from political parties, DCs, SPs, the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance and Home) and the DGP, the ECI team held a press meet today at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

Dr Nasim Zaidi said that WPAT will be used in some selected Assembly Constituencies for the first time.

During their meetings with the ECI team, various political parties aired their grievances and concerns such as abuse of money power for gaining the favour of voters, misuse of official machinery, Government resources, large-scale recruitment drives being carried out by the State Government.

The ECI team also noted their suggestions for maximum use of webcasting and CCTV coverage of booths in vulnerable and insurgency affected areas, maximum deployment of micro-observers, accessibility of presiding officers and polling staff for transparency in their functioning and neutrality and impartiality to ensure free, fair and peaceful election.

Taking due note of the complaints raised by political parties against the massive recruitment drives, the ECI team has directed the Chief Secretary to abide by all relevant rules and not to encourage any unlawful activity, stated Dr Nasim Zaidi.

He said that most of the political parties expressed keen desire to hold the Assembly election in a single phase.

They also urged for announcement of election date three months before enforcement of model code of conduct, removal of all unauthorised banners/posters/ festoons/ flags etc.

The Commission has directed the State and district level officials to reassess the vulnerable locations and prepare a comprehensive security management plan from the grassroots level upwards.

Webcasting and CCTV arrangements shall be maximised and shall be done at all check posts, critical locations, inter-border security posts.

The Commission also directed to prepare complete database of Central and State Government employees for assessment of deployable strength of election personnel in different categories.

Mandatory certification course for ROs would be organised so that the they don't commit errors.

The Commission shall take steps to curb the menace of bribing electors through distribution of cash, liquor, gifts, feasts etc.

And a robust action plan shall be prepared and activated well in time with the co-ordinated efforts of Banks, Income Tax authorities (Investigating Wing), Customs, Excise and Taxation authorities and Police Officials, said the CEC.

The Commission also directed the State Election Machinery to ensure effective monitoring, vigilance, comprehensive planning and discipline at all levels to instil confidence in the electorate to exercise their franchise without fear, coercion, intimidation or inducement.

The Commission has further directed that regular press briefings must be held by the CEO and the DEOs and all crucial information on election related matters should be periodically informed to all stake holders through media.

All election-related reports, complaints and issues highlighted in the media must be taken note of and the field functionaries should take up corrective actions promptly, Dr Nasim Zaidi added.

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