Ahmedabad, 9 July 2012

Following are the highlights of Chief Election Commissioner of India Mr. Sampath’s press briefing today in Amdavad, Gujarat.

-This was the first of series of visits.

-The EC met national and state recognized parties. Five parties appeared.

-CEC met Collectors, DEOs, SPs, DIGs, IGs, CPs, Chief Secretary, Secretary(Home),DGP.

-CEC also met Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate officials.

-Concern was expressed on use of money power, liquor and paid news. The Election Commission will place a mechanism against such menaces. EC has now enough experience to deal with such menaces.

-In Gujarat the election commission will be reaching nearly 100% photo electoral roll coverage target. It is 98% at present.
-Strength of voters – which is 3.69 crore at present – will have increase of about 2.26%.

-The election commission will consider the point that Dussera falls in October and Diwali in mid-November before declaring the dates.

-Electronic voting machines will pass through various levels of checking.

-Police and other staff will be trained. The process will begin now and continue till election.

-Issue of unfilled vacancies in government will be discussed with the Chief Secretary.

-Whether to hold single-phase or two-phase poll, will be decided at appropriate time.

-The Election Commission of India is satisfied with preparedness of election machinery in Gujarat so far.

-Additional staff will be needed in each district. Surplus staff of one district will be shifted to other district where there’s deficiency of staff.

-The Election Commission will take proper steps to see that those in polling staff can vote.This can be done through ballet voting or through election duty certificate.

-Some of the steps taken during Mansa by-election, like voter ID slip etc will be repeated in general elections too.

-No undue harassment will be made during model code of conduct.

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