Dimapur, February 13 (MExN): Several rounds of meetings between Central Observers, General Observers, and Expenditure Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India and the candidates and their representatives were held across Nagaland as the state prepares to go to polls on February 27.
In Longleng, a coordination meeting of all political parties and contesting candidates of 49 Tamlu Assembly Constituency (AC) and 50 Longleng AC, under Longleng district was held with the Central Observers on February 11 at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Conference Hall, Longleng.
Briefing on the guidelines and instructions of the ECI, General Observer, Aditya Kumar Anand appealed to all political parties and contesting candidates to strictly adhere to the instructions of the Commission for smooth and peaceful conduct of the general election. The Observer also informed that they can be contacted, if there are any queries or doubts, an update from the state DIPR informed on Monday.
The candidates discussed the measures they have taken in order to ensure that their campaigns abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the ECI, and also discussed how they can work together to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
SP Longleng asked the candidates to abstain from use of violence and encouraged them to work for the betterment of the district, the report stated.
Similarly, Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, General Observer, Dr. K Ejiearassane, Police Observer and Vinayak Bhat, Expenditure Observer for 51 Noksen AC, 52 Longkhim-Chare AC, 53 Tuensang Sadar I AC and 54 Tuensang Sadar II AC, along with Tuensang DC and District Election Officer (DEO) Nokchasashi held a meeting with political agents, political party representatives, political expenditure agents at DC's Conference Hall, Tuensang on February 11.
The attendees of the meeting were briefed on the MCC, MCMC and election expenditure guidelines and the Observers also asked all to contribute towards conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election, stated the DIPR report.
On the same day, General Observer for 37 Tyui AC and 38 Wokha AC, Abhishek Krishna held a meeting with the polling agents of the various political parties on Election Expenditure.
While interacting with the political agents on expenditure, Abhishek said that he has been appointed as the eye and ear of the ECI to observe the electioneering process in the district. He also stated that ‘he is here not to participate but to empower democratic process of election,’ as per the DIPR.
SDO (C) and Returning Officer for 37 Tyui and 38 Wokha AC, Tsidi gave a presentation on the guidelines for election expenditure and monitoring during the meeting.
For 37 Tyui AC, political agents from BJP, RJD, JDU and Independent attended the meeting, while under 38 Wokha AC, BJP, INC and NCP political agents attended the meeting, the report stated.
At the Mon DRDA Hall, Expenditure Observers appointed by ECI for Mon district conducted a meeting with the Expenditure Agents of candidates and Expenditure Agents of political parties as well as Assistant Expenditure Observers of nine constituencies on February 11. The Observers briefed on maintenance of Accounts of Election Expenditure by the candidates and also carried out interactive session with them, the DIPR report stated.
Meanwhile, an interactive session of district administration and civil societies was held at ADC Office Meluri on the same day during which DC Kumar Ramnikant and Superintendent of Police Bharat Laxman Markad were also present.
Dwelling on the need for peace during the forthcoming election, DC Phek requested the gathering, especially the civil societies for peace and tranquillity in order to have a good image of the community. The civil societies represented by Pochury Hoho, Pochury Mother's Association, and Pochury Student's Union assured the gathering that all due possible assistance and cooperation would be given to the administration and police department as well.
Civil societies were also of the opinion that no political party should fabricate false propaganda and unrealistic publications on social media. ADC Meluri Albert Ezung was confident that with the cooperation of the civil societies, a smooth election process can be conducted peacefully.
SP Phek Bharat Laxman Markad, and Presidents of Pochury Hoho, Pochury Mothers Association, and Pochury Students Union also spoke at the occasion.
On Tizit, Returning Officer to the 41-Tizit (ST) AC and ADC, Tizit, Keyirangding Hegui held a briefing with the party representative and agents of all three candidates under the AC, at his office chamber on Monday.
During the session, the agents were informed about the process and procedures of Absentee Voters, Service Voters, and Election Duty Certificate and the number of voters who have applied so far.
Highlighting the importance of the Election Expenditure Account, the RO reminded the gathering to be cautious while maintaining the same. While briefing on the election MCC, the agents were reminded to seek all necessary permission on time so that there would be no violation of the model code of conduct. The RO also urged all the representatives for their cooperation for the smooth conduct of the election, the DIPR report stated.
