Prez poll Observer assesses preparations

Puducherry, July 18 (UNI) The Central Observer for the Presidential election for Puducherry Sanjeev Koushal, who arrived here today, has inspected the arrangements made for the conduct of the polling tomorrow.

The polling will be held in the Committee Room of the Assembly.

The entire House premises, to be cordoned off from 1700 hrs today, would be handed over to the Election Commission.

A paid holiday has been declared for the Assembly Secretariat tomorrow as staff members would not be allowed inside the premises, official sources said.

Of the total 30 MLAs, 26 members, including those of the ruling Congress and the supporting parties and Prof Ramadass, MP, (LS) are expected to exercise their franchise here.

Rajya Sabha member V Narayansami, the Congress whip, will cast his vote in New Delhi.

The three-member AIADMK and the MDMK with a single MLA, had already announced boycotting of the elections.

UNI