IMPHAL, December 14: In view of ensuring free and fair poll in the coming state legislative assembly election which likely to be held in February next year, the Election Commission of India has chalked out various measures such as installation of CCTV cameras and webcast of poll proceedings in sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations in the state.
This was stated by Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr SY Quraishi during a press conference held this afternoon at the press conference of Old Secretariat, Imphal.
The Chief Election Commissioner is one a two-day visit to the state to review the situation of the state ahead of the coming 10th legislative assembly election.
Dr Quraishi further stated that the ECI is planning to conduct video coverage of the poll proceedings for the first time in the state by installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations in all sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations. The ECI will also appoint micro-observers and flying squats apart from installing the cameras, he noted.
Polling stations which mark high turn out of voters will be regarded as ‘vulnerable’ and ECI will keep a close vigil on those polling stations to check any bogus or impersonated voter, the Chief Election Commissioner, stated.
Quraishi further maintained that the ECI would take up utmost measure to check use of money and muscle power and publication of paid news during election.
In the meantime, Chief Election Commissioner also met the representatives of various political parties, namely BJP, CPI, INC, NCP, MPP and AITC in connection with the coming assembly election.
The representatives of the political parties pressed the Election Commission of India to hold free and fair poll in the state by restraining bogus votes and movement of armed militants.
Chief Election Commissioner Dr Quraishi also met the police officials.
During the meeting, the officials demanded the ECI to make available the Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for all voters and book those persons possessing unauthorized arms.
The Chief Election Commissioner will also meet the chief secretary, DGP and commissioner (home) tomorrow at Raj Bhavan.