Video recording of polls in Assam

Guwahati, Mar 9: The Election Commission (EC) has made elaborate arrangement for video recording of the entire election process in Assam.

Video cameras will be installed in each of the polling stations for recording of events inside the polling booth, according to an official statement issued here.

The EC will engage as many as 80 observers for two-phase Assam polls to be held on April three and 10 next. In view of the EC guidelines against defacement of public and private premises during election, the administration here has prohibited wall writing/ postering on any private or government building, boundary walls or any structure facing any public place or thoroughfares.

The State Government has so far suspended eight officials, five from the PWD, one from Panchayat and Rural Development Department and two from Public Health Engineering department for non-compliance with pre-election transfer orders.

The Election Commission had earlier asked the state government to transfer those officials who have been serving in a place for at least three years. It also directed the government to transfer officials serving in their home districts.

In view of the concern raised by the Election Commission about the allegation made by the opposition parties that the ruling party had resorted to issuing backdated appointment letters after announcement of poll schedule, the state government yesterday issued order that no such candidate appointed in violation of the model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission will be allowed to join any post.

All divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and heads of departments have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the order.

UNI