CEC admits poll process a bit slow in MP areas

Bhopal, Oct 23 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswamy today admitted that the assembly poll process is running a trifle slow in Madhya Pradesh's Indore Divison and Bhopal but asserted that work will be completed in the two areas by October 31 and November 10 respectively.

The CEC, who was here for a two-day visit to the state capital to review progress of preparations for the November 25 hustings, told reporters that all district collectorates and officials concerned were asked to focus on their work and dispatch progress reports at regular intervals.

Regarding filling up of vacant posts of returning officers and assistant returning officers, Mr Gopalaswamy said that he would discuss the matter with Director-General of Police S K Raut and Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahni at a meeting scheduled tomorrow.

He not only underlined the need for timely completion of the process of preparing Elector Photo Identity Cards but also doing it with precision and assured that it would be completed by November 10.

''The Commission will take a decision after November 10 in case the cards are not ready by the prescribed time limit,'' Mr Gopalaswamy said.

He also corroborated the action of removing government hoardings, posters and banners higlighting various political parties' achievements and warned that any laxity on part of officers in implementing the Model Code of Conduct would be dealt with an iron hand.

Replying to a question, he said that he had not received any complaints from political parties about the voters' list.

About using technology to cast vote over the Internet, Mr Gopalaswamy said that no decision in this regard had been taken so far.

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