DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 6 (MExN): Reports have been brought to the notice of the CEO, Nagaland that in certain polling stations there is a move to let one member of the family cast the votes of the entire household. There may also be a move to let a few members of the village or polling station casting vote for the entire village or polling station. Some political parties have already complained to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer regarding alleged contemplated moves of this kind. This was informed in a press note issued by Media Cell office of CEO Nagaland.
The CEO, Nagaland has clarified that apart from contravening the principles of one person one vote enshrined in the Constitution of India, such a practice is a criminal offence under section 171D and 171F of the Indian Penal Code. The sections are reproduced below:
171D. Personation at elections – Whoever at an election applies for a voting paper or votes in the name of any other person, whether living or dead, or in a fictitious name, or who having voted once at such election applies at the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets, procures or attempts to procure the voting by any person in any such way, commits the offence of personation at an election.
171F. Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election – Whoever commits the offence of undue influence or personation at an election shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
The CEO has therefore requested the DC & DEOs to bring this to the notice of the village authorities and Municipal/Town Councils, Candidates and Political parties and take necessary steps to prevent such criminal offences.
