Result of five-phased elections in WB before nation: CEC

Srinagar, May 16 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) B B Tandon today said the result of the strategy, phasing and planning of the recently-concluded elections in four states, including West Bengal, and one union territory was before the nation.

''These have been the most peaceful polls ever held in the four states and one union territory. The elections were incident-free, there has been no complaint of coercion, impersonation, booth capturing or intimidation of voters,'' Mr Tandon told a news conference here.

He said the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Asom and Pondicherry witnessed the highest voter turnout.

''When we hold the elections, we formulate the schedule, the strategy, the programme and the phasing after taking a strict view of the matter,'' the CEC said while replying to a question that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had come in for a strong criticism, particularly from the Left parties, for holding five-phased elections in West Bengal.

He said the ECI takes into consideration the requirement of central security forces and the local police for conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections.

''The decision to hold five-phased elections in West Bengal was taken on that basis. The result of of the strategy, phasing and planning of the elections is before the nation,'' Mr Tandon added.

The CEC was here to attend the two-day fifth All India State Election Commissioners Conference here.

UNI AG RL DS1625