EC to deploy 574 companies of central forces in Phase two

Ahmedabad, Dec 10 (UNI) The Election Commission today announced the deployment of 574 companies of central forces to ensure smooth conduct of phase two of the elections, when polling would be held on December 16 for 95 seats in Central and North Gujarat.

Talking to mediapersons after reviewing the Phase two preparations of polling, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said around 1.87 crore electorate would vote in the phase two elections and nearly 20,000 polling booths set up.

He said the EPIC coverage was around 89 per cent and the EC would deploy 4,838 micro-observers for smooth conduct of the elections.

Mr Gopalswami said the Commission had decided not to allow the ration card as one of identification documents of a voter.

''The ration card has no photo'', he said adding that the Commission had directed officials to give their approval for all issues within four hours and public meeting related issues within 24 hours.

UNI