CEC directs Goa govt to deploy forces

Panaji, May 26 (UNI) Anguished over non-deployment of the Central paramilitary forces yet, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India N Gopalaswami today directed the Goa government to immediately deploy the forces as a confidence-building measure to ensure free and fair polls in the June 2 elections to the State Legislative Assembly.

Mr Swami, along with Election Commissioner Navin B Chawla and Chief Electoral Officer (Goa) Ramesh Negi, reviewed the preparations for the hustings in presence of Chief Secretary J P Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) S R Brar.

He had also received representations from different political parties, before leaving for New Delhi.

The Commission, he said, has decided to allow voters who had hitherto not obtained Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for voting, if they carried any of the 13 other valid documents with them to the polling stations.

The documents include passport, driving licence, PAN card, Bank/Kisan/ Post office pass books, ration cards and the student identity card that can establish the valid identity of the voter, he said.

This was following an unsatisfactory performance of the concerned officials covering more voters with the EPIC in different constiuencies, he said.

Only 17 out of the 40 constitencies, about 80 per cent of the electorate was covered with the EPIC and a few in other constituencies with 85 per cent, as against the lowest 66 per cent in sensitive Taleigao and Fatorda constituencies.

The contestants will be provided with a copy of the reviewed electoral rolls by the month-end after due verification, even as the copies would be made available with the respective returing officers.

There are as many as 1,526 voters in the ''missing'' list and 1,137 of them are in Talegao itself. None of the voters would be allowed to impersonate these missing voters during the polls, with all precautionary measures being taken, Mr Swami said.

He also instructed the election machinery to step up vigil on money and muscle power, besides liquor, so that the voter is not influenced.

None would be spared if found violating the model code of conduct and stern action would be initiated if found guilty, he said.

Maharastra and Karnataka borders have been sealed so that there is no smuggling of liquor to Goa during the election, Mr Swami added.

UNI