ECI strikes tough pose
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09 2009: Election Commissioner Dr SY Quraishi, who arrived here today to review the election preparedness for the forthcoming 15 Lok Sabha election, has pointed out that use of unparliamentary languages by the political parties during election campaign amounts of violation of the model code of conduct of the election and assured that there would be zero tolerance against any Government officials violating the laid down model code of conduct.

Talking to mediapersons at the main conference hall of the Old Secretariat here this evening after holding several rounds of meeting with the political parties, DCs, ROs, ADCs, IGs, DIGs, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and DGP, Quraishi who arrived along Deputy Election Commissioner Dr Alok Shukla, informed that various complaints have been received by the Election Commission on the alleged use of unparliamentary languages by the political parties during their election campaign.

The ECI team

This is in violation of the election code of conduct and should be avoided, he cautioned.

He further assured that zero tolerance action would be taken up against any Government officials who are found to be guilty of violating the laid down model code of conduct of the election during the conduct of the two-phased Lok Sabha elections in the State.

Political parties can also lodged complaints with the Election Commission if any of the Government machineries are being misused in the election, the Election Commissioner exhorted.

As to the complaint of some political parties that imposition of restriction under Cr PC 144 in valley districts of the State has caused inconvenience to the conduct of election campaign, the Election Commissioner pointed out that since the restriction is being enforced from 11 pm to 5 pm there should not any complaint on this count.

However, for taking out election rally, permission of the police and the DC concerned should be sought, he noted.

Detailing about the measures being taken up to ensure smooth conduct of the election, the Election Commissioner disclosed that 'micro-observers' would be posted in the polling booths of some critical polling stations and facilities for video recording and photographing in polling stations of remote areas.

In case of any untoward incidents, the matter should be reported to the concerned authority at once, he said, adding that all the necessary instructions in this regard have already been given to all concerned.

When asked about his opinion on the prevailing order and order condition of the State in the light of the incidents of targeting Congress workers and bombing of party offices by armed UGs, the Election Commissioner replied that the security review conducted for district wise was satisfactory and adequate security measures would be put in place.

He also opined that the law and order situation in the State is under control and some of the minor incidents that are taking place are routine.

Soon after their arrival at Imphal, the two officials of the Election Commission reportedly called on the Governor.

The two officials would be leaving Imphal for Dimapur tomorrow morning.

It is said that the total number of voters who would exercise their franchise in the two-phased Parliamentary election in the election this time is 17,35,982 and in all 2193 polling stations which is an increase of 132 from the previous election would be set up for the purpose.

So far preparation of the Photo Electoral Roll and Electors' Photo Identity Cards have ben completed 77.39 percents and the same would be used during the election.