CEO explains campaign restrictions

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 20 (UNI) Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Nalini Netto today said during the first phase of elections in the state on April 22 no campaigns would be allowed in other places where the second and third phase of elections were to be held.

Talking to mediapersons here, she said compaign for the second and third phase of elections would be allowed only after completion of the first phase poll.

Ms Netto said elecorates were required to produce photo fixed voters identity cards for voting, and if those who had no such cards they could produce their photo-fixed driving licence and other proofs approved by the Elction Commission. However, such identity proofs should have been taken well before February 28 last, she added.

For the first time in the state, digital cameras would be used in 850 booths in the first phase and the Commission had acquired nearly 1,000 cameras for the purpose, she said.

On an experimental basis, braily system would be used in three places at Kozhikode- one, Chavara and Aryanad constituencies for the blind to exercise their franchise. If found successful, it would be used in future elections.

The Commission has posted 47,874 polling personnel for the first phase of elections in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukky districts on April 22.

UNI CGV1645