CEC informs that 96 FIRs have been registered
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 15 (MExN): The Election Commission of India (ECI) today informed that so far 14 cases have been registered in connection with election related offences (clashes) in the run up to the Nagaland State Assembly Polls scheduled for February 27.
A total of 96 FIRs have already been registered so far, the CEC added.
This was revealed during a press conference held by ECI officials, in the conclusion of their two day visit to the state on February 15 in Kohima.
The 14 cases however do not include cases on account of seizures, the Chief Election Commissioner, OP Rawat informed.
In addition to the 14 cases of election related clashes, seizures have also been made by concerned authorities. As of February 13, the CEC informed the haul as: Cash - Rs. 24,72,890; Liquor - 25,856 litres; Ganja - 220 Kgs; banned tablets/capsules - 18,683; Heroin/Opium - 5 gms; vehicle – 2; arms – 2; ammunition - 33 numbers.
The CEC meanwhile informed that the officials met representatives of various political parties to understand their issues and concerns besides noting their suggestions.
“Most of the political parties welcomed the decision of the Commission to hold elections in the state and expressed satisfaction on election arrangements he added, apprising of the issues raised and suggestions put to the Commission by political parties. Political parties besides requesting Observers to be more proactive in taking actions, also suggested on translating election related guidelines to local languages,” he revealed.
The CEC said that political parties had also requested for adequate security of their candidates, and effective action to prevent poll related violence, voter influence by village councils and requested that movement of armed cadres to be effectively restricted to prevent any attempt of intimidation of voters.
The team also noted concerns on the use of religious platform to influence voters.
11.91 lakh electors are set to cast their votes in 60 Assembly Constituencies of the state on February 27. Currently, the percentage of photo coverage in the electoral roll is 99.99% and EPIC coverage is 99.99%. The CEC said that efforts are being made for 100% PER and EPIC coverage.
59 constituencies covered by ETPBS and all ROs have transmitted postal ballots to the service electors through ETPBS.
The CEC meanwhile informed that provision of Assured Minimum Facilities at all polling stations has been taken up with the Chief Secretary and the State Government has been directed to complete the AMF facilities as earliest, he added.
While EVMs with VVPATs will be used in all 2156 polling stations, the commission has directed that one polling station of each constituency be randomly selected and VVPAT slips of these polling stations be counted and matched with EVM results.
State administration and police have also been asked to tone up security and preventive measures. It may be noted that general and police observers have been deployed to monitor all activities and advise the administration.
The CEC said that police have been directed to continue identifying and taking action against all identified trouble-mongers/anti-social elements/bad characters. All police check posts across the state are under webcasting/ videography 24x7 for the entire period during the Election.
With regard to the flow of money and intoxicants, the CEC informed that 178 Flying Squads and 84 Static Surveillance Teams have been operationalized to check movement of cash liquor, drugs and other freebies in Nagaland.
29 check posts of the Excise Department are in place to check the movement of liquor; along with monitoring of suspicious cash transactions. Air Intelligence units have been set up at the Agartala, Dimapur, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Silchar airports.
The CEC also notified that a Public Grievance Redress System has been developed as a platform for all complaints, grievances, concerns and suggestions lodged by any member of the public, including our various stakeholders like political parties, candidates, civil society groups etc. Further a single window system has been deployed for giving election-related permissions/clearances within 24 hours.
The CEC also spoke on previously intimated matters related to video casting of the polls, setting up of all Women Managed Polling Station, and provisions for Persons with Disabilities.
