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| ‘Let parties enthuse voters’ | | CEC assures free, fair polls; warns against forced boycott | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, Nov 12: Warning separatists, of course without naming any, of a ‘firm deal under law’ for forcing election boycott, the Chief Election Commissioner of india N Gopalaswami today said enthusing voter turnout was upto the political parties.
The full Election Commission which arrived in Srinagar today reiterated its commitment to conduct free and fair polls in J&K in coming elections. The assurance came from the CEC while addressing a crowded press conference here today on the first leg of Election Commission of India’s two day visit to the State to have first hand review of the poll arrangements being undertaken in the State. The ECI will undertake similar review in Jammu tomorrow.
Gopalaswami was flanked by the Election Commissioners, Mr C. B. Chawla, Dr S. Y Qureshi, Chief Electoral Officer J&K, Mr B.R. Sharma and Deputy Election Commissioner, Mr R. Batacharya at the press conference.
In reply to a question about the likely low voter turnout in the ensuing elections, the CEC said that it was for the political parties to enthuse people to vote. He said no body has a right to force people for boycott of polls and if anybody tries to disrupt the poll process, he shall be dealt with according to the law. He expressed satisfaction about the security scenario saying security did not pose any challenge if at all there was any challenge it was the weather, he added.
CEC said that the Election Commission discussed matters relating to J&K Assembly Elections 2008 with the representatives of recognized national and state political parties and District Election Officers in separate meetings here today.
Gopalaswami said that the Election Commission discussed security and election plan with District Magistrates and SSPs and reviewed the preparedness of conducting polls. He said State Administration has been asked to implement the Model Code of Conduct in letter and spirit. He said that candidates have been asked to provide the required affidavits to the Chief Electoral Officer for wide publicity and putting these on website of the office of J&K Chief Electoral Officer.
CEC expressed the hope that electors would fearlessly participate in the elections by casting their votes and sought media’s cooperation in disseminating his appeal to the public for casting the votes in large numbers.
He said that he has received suggestions from various political parties with regard to re-organization of polling stations and provision of security and vehicles. He said he has asked the CEO and district election officers to look into these suggestions for consideration. He said that Commission has received some complaints regarding interference by some government employees in election process. “These have been referred to the District Magistrates for investigation”, he said.
Gopalaswami said good work has been done for preparation of Electors’ Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). However, he said, the concerned have been directed to accept the alternative documents for identification of voters wherever photo identity cards could not be provided. He said that for Bandipora district 39.73 percent EPICs have been covered whileas it stands 6.8 percent for Kupwara, 57.37 percent for Baramulla, 81.14 percent for Pulwama, 71.82 percent for Shopian, 40.38 percent for Kulgam, 71.72 percent for Budgam, 83.72 percent for Ganderbal, 62.11 percent for Srinagar and 87.15 percent for Anantnag district.
Expressing satisfaction over the work done by Chief Electoral Officer’s office in J&K, Mr Gopalaswami said that besides other election related work, the electoral rolls have been prepared and provided to the political parties. |
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