Thaisii raises proxy voting charges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 29, 2012:
Complaining that massive proxy voting was carried out in several polling stations of Karong AC, INC candidate DD Thaisii has lodged a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner as well as the Senapati district Returning Officer demanding re-poll at these polling stations.
Speaking to media persons today, DD Thaisii said that NSCN-IM cadres and their cohorts indulged in mass booth capturing in 18 polling stations of Karong Assembly Constituency on January 28, the day of voting.
Even as the polling agents of the INC candidate made verbal complaints to the Presiding Officers, the Presiding Officers could not do anything because of the threat by NSCN-IM cadres who were reportedly supporting NPF candidates.
These acts of blatant violation of election procedures can be ascertained from the photograph records collected by polling officials under the supervision of Presiding Officers.
DD Thaisii further asserted that a large number of votes were cast by the anti-social elements and at their behest.
In case the Presiding Officers failed to record such photographs of the voters which is mandatory in nature and if they cannot produce the same, it can be assumed that large scale anomalies and irregularities took place at the 18 polling stations.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, Thaisii appealed for re-poll in the 18 polling stations so as to avoid deprivation of voting rights of the public.
The polling stations where proxy voting allegedly took place include Phuba Khuman (A-1), Phuba Khuman (A-2), Phuba Khuman (B), Phuba Khuman (C-1), Phuba Khuman (C-II), Phuba Thapham (A), Phuba Thapham (B) and Phuba Thapham (C).
The representation also listed a number of violent and intimidatory actions carried out by NSCN-IM cadres in connection with the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly including abduction, torture and extortion from Congress supporters and other people.
Likewise, Trinamool Congress candidate in Bishnupur AC has filed a complaint with the the General Observer of his constituency alleging that some unfair practices in contravention to the rules have been committed by the Presiding Officers and the other officials.
The polling agent for the All India Trinamool Congress for polling station No 26/24 was not reportedly entertained to be present and the poll at the station was held without the said agent.
It was suspected that some electors impersonated other voters and cast proxy votes with permission of the officials and agents.
The presiding officer of station no 26/24 was found entertaining one unauthorized person namely L Prahlada Singh who is known to be an important of the Congress candidate.
In spite of several requests, the presiding officer did not do anything to turn out the person, Jibon alleged.
He demanded the relevant authorities to verify the agents, and also check and compare the photos and images of the voters.
He also appealed to do the need to hold re-poll at the particular polling stations.
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