Extra forces for by-polls to check malpractices: CEO

Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal on Thursday stated that the Commission will take all precautionary measures to prevent rigging and malpractices in the by-elections held for Kadapa Parliamentary seat and Pulivendula Assembly constituency scheduled for May 8.

Talking to media persons, Mr Bhanwar Lal stated that the Commission has sought additional forces from the Centre to conduct the by-elections and ensure that they pass by without any untoward incidents. The CEO also added that the Election Commission will set up Closed Circuit cameras at polling booths to help prevent malpractices in the elections.

Mr Bhanwar Lal said the Commission will take all measures to remove apprehensions over the use of Electronic Voting Machines among the political parties.

He added the EC will respond to complaints of violation of the Election Code even if these are lodged through SMSes. “The Election Commission will take serious action against all those who violate the Election Code,” the CEO warned.

He said the Commission will set up a toll free number ‘1965’ from April 12 in the Election Commission’s office, Hyderabad to help the voters and to address issues concerned. Mr Bhanwar Lal called upon all the people to franchise their votes without apprehension.