EC asks officials to ensure peaceful polls in Manipur

New Delhi, Jan 11 (UNI) The Election Commission has asked officials to ensure peaceful and fair polls in Manipur begining February 8.

The law and order situation and security aspects were discussed at a meeting held here yesterday, attended by 31 poll observers and chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalswamy, The meeting discussed ways of adhering to the model code of conduct in the state which will go for a three-phased polls on February 8, 14 and 23.

The observers have been asked to send periodic reports on all aspects which could affect or influence the outcome of the polls to the commission.

The notification for the first phase of the elections to the 60-member assembly would be issued on January 13.

Only last week, the CEC visited Manipur to have the first hand information of the situation and poll arrangements. He observed Manipur was a ''difficult state'' and holding polls there a difficult task.

Mr Gopalswamy said nearly two-and-half time more security forces would be deployed compared to the previous assembly elections for ensuring free and fair polls in the state.

Meanwhile, the EC has also finalised the time allotment schedule for national, regional and state political parties contesting the assembly elections in Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

He said as per the schedule all national and recognised state parties parties would be given 45 minutes each on the All India Radio and Doordarshan. In a single session no political parties will be given more than 15 minutes and there will no broadcast or telecast during the 48 hours preceding the close of polls as per specific provisions of Representation of the People Act, 1951.

UNI