Separate ministerial works from poll duty, directs State CEO
Govt officials cautioned against canvassing
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 26 2011:
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur has issued an order not to mix official duties of Ministers with the works related to the forthcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
Addressing a press meet today, CEO PC Lawmkunga asked all Ministers not to sanction any new funds even if it is in their prerogative.
He also asked all Ministers, MLAs and candidates to adhere to the election code of conduct.
He warned that fitting actions would be initiated if any Government official is found working in favour of the ruling parties.
Informing that not less that 325 companies of central para military forces would be used in the single phased Manipur Legislative Assembly elections of 2012, the CEO conveyed that the Election Commission would appoint police observers not lower than the rank of DIG for all the nine districts of Manipur soon.
On being enquired about the pre-poll issues and the trend of hosting grand feasts, the CEO said that no complaints have been received so far.
If any candidate or political party defies the election code of conduct, necessary actions would be initiated, he said.
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Due actions would be initiated if candidates or parties distribute goods or money to woo voters.
For the Assembly elections scheduled to be held on January 28, three helicopters would be used for transportation of EVMs and poll personnel to remote areas of the State.
For the forthcoming elections, a meeting of several departments which would be chaired by the Chief Secretary would be convened soon, informed the CEO.
Attachment of photos in photo electoral rolls and preparation of identity cards have been completed by 97.29 per cent and 86.21 per cent respectively.
Joint CEO N Prabin said that photos of around 24,000 voters have not been attached to their photo electoral rolls.
Informing that a special campaign would be undertaken to collect the remaining photographs by January 5, Prabin appealed to all concerned to submit their photographs.
Photo ID cards would be provided by January 10, Prabin said and added that the plan of taking photographs of voters after voting is to check proxy voting.
Talking about threats and selection-type voting in hill areas, the CEO said that all polling stations would be photographed and videographed in addition to deploying adequate security personnel.
Meanwhile, it is reported that Deputy Election Commissioner Dr Ashok Shukla would arrive at Imphal on January 5 to discuss about the assistance that would be sought from the neighbouring States of Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram with regard to the Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
The Deputy Election Commissioner would hold a meeting with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of these three States, added the source.