SEC appeals for free and fair KAAC elections

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

HAMREN June 9: The Assam State Election Commission on Thursday announced the lists of documents to be produced by voters at their respective polling stations during KAAC election on June 17. It was announced at a press conference convened at DC conference Hall in Diphu on Thursday.

The press conference was led by Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan and was attended by State Election Commissioner H.N. Bora, SP Dr. GV Srivaprasad and DIG (CR) Bishnu Prasad Rabha and media persons from both print and electronic in the district. Bora appealed for free and fair election without any disturbances. He also pleaded the people in the district to cooperate with the authority to maintain peace and harmony during the election process.

The documents which will be treated as valid identity proof of Indian citizenship which will be allowed in casting vote are the Voter-ID or Electronic Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by ECE, Photo Electoral Roll, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Service Identity Card, Pension Identity Card, Identity Cards issued by Schools/College/University authority and Bank Passbook with photograph.

“In case of non-availability of voter ID cards, any of the documents announced by ASEC could be produced by the voters before the polling officials at the polling booths on the polling day,” Bora said. He also informed that voters have to produce any documents having their own photo to establish their identity like ration card, land patta and council receipt having me of voters or his immediate family members viz. wife, husband and sibling.

In regards to the present situation, the Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan said that so far the district is peaceful and the administration has not faced any threat or challenges from any corner. Khan further added, “Parties have also been carrying out campaign without any complaints and so far we have not received any reports of violation of the election model code of conduct from any party.”

SP who also took questions from media persons informed that so far 11 persons have been arrested for preventive measures to ensure that no trouble is created during the polling period. “We believe that polling will be peaceful but will not take any chance and therefore we are monitoring the situation,” he added.

DIG Bishnu Prasad Rabha said that security has been arranged and beefed up as per the requirement in sensitive polling stations. He also informed that sectiol officer and zol officers has been appointed for the purpose. “Security arrangement for the election has been made in such a way that our forces will be able to reach any polling stations with 15 minutes,” he added.