Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor has directed the Ri Bhoi district election officer to conduct an inquiry into alleged violation of secrecy of voting in a polling station under Mawhati constituency.
This came after a viral image was circulated in the social media, with a photograph allegedly depicting a voter pressing the ballot button, in favour of a particular candidate in the ballot unit, which tantamount to violation of secrecy of voting.
“In connection with the apparent violation above, which appears to be an aberration, and in you capacity as District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi District, where the above aberration appeared to have been committed, you are hereby directed to cause immediate inquiry, with a view to ascertain the facts of the above alleged violation, which reportedly occurred in 35-Shiliang Umdoh polling station under Mawhati Assembly constituency,” Kharkongor said.
The CEO directed the DEO to take strict action against the erring polling officials of the concerned polling station post inquiry.
“Penal action should also be initiated against the alleged voter who violated his secrecy of vote after ascertaining the necessary facts of the above case,” he said. He also directed the DEO to furnish the action taken report before March 3.