EC dismisses allegations against Observer

Mysore, Dec 2 (UNI) Rejecting the allegations of partisanship made by the JD(S) against Election Observer Raymond Peter, the Election Commission today strongly condemned the derogatory words used by the party leaders in the media to undermine the character and quality of work of the official.

In a release here, the EC said the hollowness of the allegations was apparent from the fact that out of the 115 cases booked, 54 were against the Congress and 42 against the JD(S).

The EC lauded Mr Peter for working without fear or favour to ensure a level playing field in the electoral process of the Chamundeswari Assembly byelection, essential for sustaining the atmosphere for free and fair polls. His dogged perseverance, after his arrival in the constituency on November 16, in reporting violations and ensuring corrective action through the district administration had resulted in over 115 cases of violation of the model code of conduct being booked against all parties in a period of two weeks. Though the model code of conduct came into force on November seven, most of the cases were registered only after November 16, it noted.

The EC acknowledged the relentless efforts of Mr Peter in reporting such violations and his constant endeavour to ensure that squads were constituted through the district administration for reporting such violations.

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