SHILLONG, APR 12: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr BDR Tiwari on Friday observed that recent incidents are not common to the political scenario in Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Tiwari informed that a meeting was held with political parties and that there are several concerns expressed by the different political parties.
“We have heard all about the different concerns and worries in the present scenario and we requested them (political parties) for their full cooperation and all of them have assured us that they will try their best to maintain peace and harmony besides extending full cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in the state,” he said.
The CEO said there are concerns at the ground to maintain law and order and the EC is keeping a close watch of the situation.
“Basically some incidents and whatever is happening is not very common in the political scenario in Meghalaya but we are taking it as top most priority as concern is there so all the needful arrangement is being done and other law enforcement agency and our team are already mobilized in full swing to keep proper monitoring and watch over the situation and I hope with the collective effort we will be able to conduct election in a peaceful and free and fair manner,” he said.
Asked, Dr Tiwari said, “In previous Lok Sabha elections, no such incidents happened so whatever few incidents are coming, you are also telling, so that way we are not looking very different but these things are not very common as per Meghalaya is concerned. Normally, elections in Meghalaya are traditionally very peaceful and conducted in a very peaceful, harmonious, free and fair manner.”
“……we are keeping a close watch and we are very much committed to conduct free and fair and peaceful elections,” he added.
On model code of conduct violations, the CEO informed that show-cause notices have been issued to some leaders and moreover, teams including flying squad and police are on the ground and video recording of all political party rallies are being taken adding forces are also being deployed to maintain peace and order and to avoid any untoward incidents.
He said the Election Commission is also keeping a close watch on social media and that if anything comes, it will take immediate cognizance.
The CEO informed that there are more than 400 polling stations identified as ‘critical’ and ‘vulnerable’. “All the needful arrangements have been made on these (polling stations). All machineries have done proper examination. In the mixed population area, we are taking proper care to avoid any such incident which may lead to further tension,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CEO informed that the commission is getting very good response from people opting for the home voting and postal ballots.