EC identifies 'critical polling stations'

New Delhi, Oct 26 : The Election Commission in a fresh set of guidelines stated that polling booths which recorded over 75 per cent turnout or witnessed any electoral malpractices during previous elections will be identified as 'critical polling stations'.

Polling stations, which have seen over 75 per cent of votes going in favour of one candidate, would also fall in the same category, the EC stated.

Moreover, polling stations that went for repoll due to electoral malpractices will also be considered as a critical polling station.

While communicating to the states, the EC said that critical polling stations would have digital camera or video camera along with micro observers to ensure free and fair elections, besides central forces.

Moreover, paramilitary force contingent should be provided with the area-wise list of anti-social elements in order to make the security personnel effective.

On the day of polling, securitymen would guard polling stations, poll materials, poll personnel and the poll process, said the EC.

They would also escort electronic voting machines to and from the polling booths.

Soon after the announcement of poll schedule for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram the EC issued directives to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the concerned states.

ANI