EC to monitor Central Forces’ activities

For the first time the Election Commission (EC) has decided to monitor Central Forces who will be deployed in polling stations.

There will be four layer monitoring. The sector officers will take photographs of the Central Forces and will send them to the Election Commission. The exercise will begin two days ahead of poll. The Central Forces will be deployed in 77,000 odd booths throughout the state in all the six phases. This measure will be taken as it is alleged that the ruling parties often influence the administration not to use the Central Forces who are kept idle on the day of the poll.

The District Magistrates will have to visit the spots from where complaints have been lodged through app or by other sources on the day of election. For complaints, 1950 toll free helpline has been made functional. Mobile app Samadhan has also become functional. Voters and political leaders can lodge complaints in the app which one has to download. Also complains regarding incidents of violence and EPIC card related issues or violation of model code of conduct can be registered through the mobile app. The problem will be ironed out within 24 hours.

The EC is determined to conduct free and fair election in the state and will not leave any stone unturned. It will build confidence in voters so that they can exercise their franchise without any fear.

At Jangalmahal where election will be held on 4 April, special arrangements have been made to beef up security.