Right to vote cannot be enforced: CEC

Barabanki, Apr 16 (UNI) In backdrop of concerns perception about low voting so far in the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh assembly poll, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami today said voting was a right of the electorate, but it could not be enforced.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Gopalaswami observed that people exercise their franchise out of their own will.

''Election Commission (EC) cannot compel them to vote. Our responsibility is to conduct free and fair elections.'' On the recent controversy surrouding an audio-visual CD issued by BJP, against which several complaints were lodged with EC and a decision is still pending with the Commission, he said that a decision would soon be taken.

Earlier, the CEC held a review meeting with administrative and police officials of Devi Patan, Faizabad and Basti divisions, which go to the polls in the fourth phase.

Besides, Mr Gopalaswami, Election Commissioners Navin B Chawla and Dr S Y Qureshi were also present at the meeting.

''The poll in the third phase would also be peaceful like in the first two phases,'' the CEC assured.

Expressing confidence on poll preparation for the fourth phase, Mr Gopalaswami said some gaps in this regard would soon be filled.

On the posters of dreaded dacoit Dadua threatening electorate to vote for a particular party in Banda-Chitrakoot region, the CEC said, ''the matter is in the knowledge of EC. It is being probed.'' UNI