DEC calls for free, fair polls

Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) of India, Sudhir Tripathi today expressed satisfaction with the overall election preparations pertaining to the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in Nagaland, scheduled for April 9. He said that it will require efforts to see that the elections are held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Addressing a press conference here today at Hotel Japfu in the presence of CEO Sentiyanger Aier and Commissioner Nagaland Temjen Toy, he informed that he had held video conferences with the Deputy Commissioners and SPs and reviewed the election preparations with them. The reviews touched upon the electoral roll, EVMs, various arrangements with regard to monitoring of model code of conduct and expenditure monitoring.

He held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP and the Home Secretary to review the security arrangement for the elections. Tripathi also met representatives of the various recognized political parties and addressed apprehensions relating to distribution of EPIC cards reaching the right people within the time frame as prescribed. The meeting also discussed proxy voting.

Regarding the deputation of para military forces for the polls, he assured that proper security arrangements will be done.
On being asked whether the Election Commission is aware of the use of money power in the state, he said that the Commission will take measures, in terms of checking muscle and money power, by using flying squad, video surveillance teams etc.

He further informed that Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been put under the category of expenditure sensitive states. Tripathi urged upon all voters to come out on the day of the poll and exercise their franchises in a free and fair and ethical manner, without being influenced by muscle or money power.