After finalising the list of 810 contestants for 70 assembly seats for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Delhi Vijay Dev is preparing his team for the D Day - 4 December, when Delhi will come out to decide the political fate of the national capital city.
In an exclusive interview with SIDDHESHWAR SHUKLA he shares his plans for effective implementation of the model code of conduct, ensuring huge voter turnout and also on controversies surrounding the decision to appoint Soha Ali Khan as the brand ambassador for the assembly elections.
What is your next focus after finalising the list of eligible contestants in the election?
Well. I have three priorities right now — monitoring the expenditure of the candidates, effective implementation of model code of conduct and preparation for the polling day. We have deployed a team of senior officers to monitor candidate’s specific activities such as expenditure. If any candidate exceeds his/her limit of Rs 14 lakh, s/he will be recommended for disqualification if elected.
...But the implementation of model code is not so effective as you are limited to issue censures and warnings only?
We never allow politicians to make the city dirty by painting it without permission, no rally or meeting can be held without our permission. In fact, we have zero tolerance for defacement, disorderly behaviour, high election expenditure, criminal offence, misuse of power and seeking votes on the basis of religion. In the past, the commission had even cancelled election of some public representatives.
What about use of objectionable language in political speeches?
Here we issue censures to politicians which acts as deterrent. We appeal to the political parties and their leaders to exercise restraint on this issue and ensure healthy political atmosphere.
What is your poll percentage target?
This time we are trying to establish contact with all sections of voters which will break the myth of urban apathy in Delhi. We expect a record turnout of around 70 per cent.
Your brand ambassador Soha Ali Khan is considered close to a political party?
The celebrities appointed as ambassadors have to sign an agreement of impartiality. They submit an affidavit that they shall not appeal to vote for any political party or candidate.
What are the security arrangements for this poll?
We are installing web cameras on every sensitive and far-flung polling stations which will be monitored through control rooms and be accessible on our website for online monitoring. In addition to that we have identified over 600 sensitive polling stations. We are deploying 35,000 Delhi police personnel, 10,000 home guards and have demanded 100 companies of para-military forces to ensure peaceful polling. We are also making one model polling station in each assembly segment to make polling enjoyable and comfortable.