This Article is From Jul 18, 2013

Delhi polls: Election Commission directs officers to ensure free and fair elections

New Delhi: The Election Commission has asked its officers and police to coordinate and take measures to create an environment of confidence and security for conducting free and fair Assembly elections in Delhi.

Vinod Zutshi, Deputy Election Commissioner, held a meeting with Delhi Chief Election Officer (CEO), District Election Officers (DEO) and Deputy Commissioners of Police yesterday.

While addressing DEOs of nine districts and the DCPs from 11 police districts, Zutshi said that their objective was to ensure that elections were conducted in a fair, free and transparent manner so that every voter was able to exercise his or her franchise.

Zutshi emphasised on advance planning of aspects of election, prioritisation of activities and familiarisation with the EC's guidelines during the meeting. During his interaction Zutshi also outlined that in the elections it was necessary to provide a level playing field.

He stressed on the need for sharing information with political parties and candidates about various instructions of the Commission relating to Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and other election processes.

In order to have strict enforcement of model code of conduct and close monitoring of expenditure, he asked the DEOs to prepare data base of personnel for enforcement teams. Zutshi asked the officials to do micro-level planning down to the polling station level to assess the actual prevailing situations on the ground and to have an action plan accordingly.

He also asked the police officials to identify history sheeters and anti social elements of the area and accordingly take action under preventive measures.

Delhi CEO, Vijay Dev, while explaining about preparedness for elections said that during last six months about six lakh photos of non-image electors have been collected and entered in the electoral roll.

Similarly, about two lakh voters in the age-group of 18 to 19 years have been added in the last eight months, he said. Dev also informed that Delhi has taken big steps to improve the electoral roll in last few months and has an objective to make the electoral roll with 100 per cent images of voters before the assembly election.

Zutshi also emphasised on attending to the complaints of political parties without any delay and in non partisan manner.

The Dy Election Commissioner also asked the officials to ensure compliance of instructions of the EC with regard to transfer of officials who have served more than three years at a place and those who were posted in their home districts.
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