ECI ready to tackle heavy expenditures
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2011:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made all preparations to keep a close watch over expenditures and activities of the candidates contesting in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections through effective mechanisms so as to avoid flexing combat muscle and money power by the candidates and supporters.
The 10th Legislative Assembly Elections are expected be held in February next year.
With just around 50 days left before the State goes to polls, many political parties and candidates have already launched election campaigns though informally.
Speaking to media persons here today, ECI Director General (Information, Education and Communication) Akshay Rout stated that all efforts would be put in to ensure free and fair, and transparent elections with maximum participation of the electorates.
Highlighting the crucial role of media in a democratic process, Rout stated that reports about violation of any provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and election model code of conduct appeared in the media would be taken as (suo motto) complaint.
One of the main challenging tasks for the ECI is to fight paid news.
A unit christened Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) would be set up in all districts to tackle the challenge, Rout said.
"If any candidate is suspected to have indulged in paid news as per the media report, ECI would send notice to the particular candidate and take necessary action according to his or her replies ," he said.
Incumbency power of the ruling party or parties is another main concerns of the ECI.
Pointing out that the Systematic Voter Education and Electorate Participation (SVEEP) programme has also been launched by the ECI, Rout strongly advocated that people should not vote under the influence of bribe.
The ECI's Director General (Expenditure Monitoring Division) PK Das said the commission would set up check posts, flying squads , complaint cells and toll free hotline for the complainants to check practices of bribing voters.
Both giving and taking bribes are equally punishable.
If any complaint is received, the flying squad would rush to the spot and take necessary action.
For effective monitoring of election expenditures, all candidates should open their respective account in the bank separately one day ahead of filing their nomination papers, he said adding that income tax officials would also be deployed at strategic locations.