IT News
Imphal, Jan 7:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to review the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Manipur. The meeting was held by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra in which Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey were also present. The term of State Assembly in Manipur is to expire on the 19th of March and elections are scheduled for 60 Assembly Constituencies. Representatives of various political parties including BJP, Congress, TMC, Left, and Naga People’s Front attended the meeting through video conferencing. The main issues raised by the political parties included concerns about the use of money power, illicit liquor, narcotics drugs, and intimidation to influence voters. Political parties requested for a strict vigil on election expenses by candidates to ensure free and fair poll. While expressing concerns about pre-poll violence, the political parties demanded the deployment of adequate security forces during the poll process and other relevant measures. The political parties also raised concerns about the implementation of strict COVID protocols for the safety of everybody.
The Commission assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of suggestions, issues and concerns of the political parties and ECI is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, inclusive, inducement free and COVID-safe elections in the state.
With regard to the concerns raised on excessive use of money and other inducements to influence voters, the Commission reiterated that it has zero tolerance for misuse of money or muscle power or partisan behaviour of State machinery vitiating free and fair elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra emphasized that strict action would be taken against such erring officials. He added that Expenditure Observers will be deployed for a strict vigil to ensure inducement-free elections in the State.
