Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 7
Finally the much anticipated bye-elections to the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies will take place today with many expecting a keen tussle between the ruling NPF candidates and the Opposition Congress in both seats going to polls. And to ensure that free and fair poll is conducted, the district administration especially Dimapur in conjunction with the Kohima based Chief Electoral Office has come out with several welcoming directives to achieve just this. To make sure that the directives issued over the last few days looks good not only on paper, all eyes will be on the respective district administrations and how well they are ‘allowed’ to enforce their order without political interference or the sway of money and muscle power.
It may be mentioned that earlier, in response to the Election Commission of India directives to maintain law and order situation and also to make necessary arrangements for free movement of voters going to polling stations to exercise free franchise on March 8, DC Dimapur K. Nzimongo Ngullie came out with a four point order to give effect to the EC’s directives. According to the order, there will be no movement of private and government vehicles in Dimapur town on March 8 from 5 am to 4 pm. The vehicles detailed for polling duties and Magistrates on duty, medical party for First Aid, Para Military vehicles only will be allowed to move in Dimapur. Further, all shops, offices, banks and schools in Dimapur town will remain close on March 8. Any public or outsider from other constituencies/area will not be allowed to enter into Bye-election to Dimapur-I A/C (General) area on March 8 from 5 am to 4 pm.
In a subsequent order to remove other loopholes, the Dimapur DC who is also the Returning Officer has barred GBs and DMC members from the ‘screening-process’ GBs/headmen of khels, DMC members as well as any other organizations and NGOs are barred from participating in screening and checking voters in polling stations. As per the Election Commission of India’s Model Code of Conduct, they can only participate as voters to exercise their franchise. No screening or checking by the above stated entities or by any other in the polling process will be allowed except by authorized persons, the Returning Officer for Dimapur-1 A/c had notified yesterday.
Political leaders have also been directed to observe the election Model Code of Conduct and adhere to the rules. Further, in confirming with the EC’s stipulation, no person from outside the constituency is allowed to stay or move within the A/c till the polling is over. This includes the movement of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs and political leaders, if they are not voters of the constituency and they are informed of this. Violators of this order will be brought to the notice of the EC, the RO stated.
