-Galla S Kiran Kumar,Bureau Chief Telagana (Andhra Pradesh)
State Chief Electoral Officer Vikasraj said that it has been made clear to the Election Officers and SPs of all the districts that they should act strictly and according to the rules in the implementation of the code of conduct of elections.
Wide surveillance to prevent irregularities in elections
Three squads
have identified 46 problematic seats in each constituency Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj told ‘Innadu’
that government advertisements should be removed within 24 hours
Today, Hyderabad: State Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said that it has been made clear to all the district election officials and SPs that they should act strictly and according to the rules in the implementation of the election code of conduct. He said that all arrangements are being made to conduct the assembly elections in a peaceful atmosphere. It has been revealed that 46 problematic constituencies have been identified in the state and this number may increase in the coming days. He said that strict vigilance is being implemented to prevent irregularities in the elections. Inspections have been intensified to stop the distribution of cash, alcohol, drugs and other freebies. He said that all the arrangements are being made to give the right to vote to all the eligible people and voter slips with serial number, polling center etc. details will be given to the voters five days before the polling date. He spoke to ‘Eenadu’ on Tuesday. The details are in his own words.
13 terrorism affected constituencies
We have concluded that 13 of the 46 problematic constituencies are affected by terrorism. They include Sirpur, Chennur, Bellampally, Manchiryala, Asifabad, Manthani, Bhupalapalli, Mulugu, Pinapaka, Illendu, Kothagudem, Ashwaravpet and Bhadrachalam constituencies. We are arranging special security in these. We are sending proposals to the Central Election Commission to close the polling time at 4 pm in those areas. The number of other problematic constituencies varies based on illegal possession of cash, alcohol, drugs and freebies. We have formed at least three inspection teams (squads) in each constituency. Some flying squads and some are permanently stationed in each area to monitor surveillance activities. We have made it clear that video surveillance teams should be formed as per the requirements.
An average of 897 voters per polling station
We are setting up 35,356 polling centers across the state. Out of them 20,898 centers are in rural areas and 14,458 centers are in urban areas. On an average there are 897 voters in each polling station. We are making arrangements for continuous webcasting of the election process in 27,798 polling stations.
Observers coming soon
Election observers will be coming to the state soon. First the cost inspectors will come to the state.. and then we will determine how many micro inspectors are required. The officials at the field level will take measures to enable senior citizens above 80 years and disabled people with more than 40 percent disability to exercise their right to vote at home. Those interested in voting from home will be provided with 12D applications prepared by the Central Election Commission.
Vote can be registered till 31st
Voting is possible till 31st of this month. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is 15th November. After that we will distribute voter slips. We have already made it clear to the authorities of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and all the districts that all the advertisements set up by the state government should be removed within 24 hours.
