EC orders use of EPIC in elections in HP: CEO

Shimla, Oct 27 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) of India has ordered use of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for the first phase of Himachal Assembly Elections, Chief Electoral Manisha Nanda said here today.

She said that 89.14 per cent Electoral Photo Identity Cards had been issued to voters in Lahaul and Spiti (ST) Assembly Constituency, 89.32 per cent EPICs in Kinnaur (ST) and 72.36 EPICs in Bharmour (ST) constituency.

Ms Nanda said Electoral Photo Identity Cards issued to the electors should be brought by them at the time of voting.

The EPICs issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another assembly constituency would also be taken into account provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station, where the elector has turned up for voting, she said.

She added it would be ensured that the elector does not vote at more than one place.

The Chief Electoral Officer said those electors, who have not been issued their EPICs, will be permitted to cast their vote at the general election, provided their identity is otherwise established by the production of any of the alternative documents as passport, driving licenses, income tax Permanent Account Number(PAN) cards and service identity cards.

UNI