Election Commissioner says poll candidates with criminal records should be barred

London, Aug 6 : The Election Commissioner of India, S.Y Qureshi, has called for barring candidates with criminal records and has asked the Government to pass a law in this regard.

Expressing concern over the unjust influence of opinion polls on the outcome of elections, he also demanded a ban on exit polls.

"Compulsory filling of affidavits by candidates, describing their past has led to a decrease in the criminalization of politics" he said.

The Election Commission will introduce electoral rolls with photographs of the electorate in the next general elections to eliminate bogus voting.

"We will be ready for general elections, once the delimitation of the parliamentary constitution is completed by August 31, which is due before May next year" he said.

Qureshi further said that voting will be made compulsory in due course.

ANI