DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 20 (MExN): In view of the General Election to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2018, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland has appealed to all central and state government employees to maintain an attitude of strict impartiality and discharge his/her duties as per the rules and provisions of law. In a press release, CEO Abjhijt Sinha on Tuesday drew the attention of the government employees on section 129,134 and 134A of the Representation of People Act 1951, which stated that “no government servant is to act for furthering the prospect of any candidate, act as polling/counting agent.” There is penalty for breach of official duty in connection with conduct of election punishable under the law, it informed. The CEO said every government employee is expected to promote the spirit of democracy by actively participating for a free, fair and peaceful election, while adding that it is the responsibility of every government employee being an agent of the government to educate the public on good practices during election so as to eliminate all electoral malpractices. It also reminded all the government officials who are appointed as returning officer, assistant returning officer, presiding officer, sector officers and security personnel to discharge their statutory duties without any partiality and fear. “You should not have any complacent attitude and shouldn’t compromise in your assigned responsibility. If any official act in contravention of the legal provisions strict action shall be taken against him/her,” the CEO stated.
