Election Commission seeks steps for smooth polling, rehabilitation

In view of cyclonic storm Ockhi hitting the coastal areas of south Gujarat, the Election Commission has asked the state's election authorities to take measures to ensure smooth polling during the first phase of elections on December 9.

Eighty-nine assembly seats in south Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch go to polls in the first phase.

"The Commission has directed that besides making effective arrangements for immediate relief and rehabilitation, adequate, effective and fool-proof arrangements may also be made by the State / District administration towards smooth and efficient conduct of the election process," the EC wrote to state's Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain on Tuesday.

The Commission directed that steps be taken to ensure that all voters are able to exercise their franchise without any inconvenience, and asked the CEO to submit a report on the preparations made and action taken by 3 pm on Wednesday.

CEO BB Swain said that the Election Commission is in continuous discussion with the state government to ensure that voters do not face any inconvenience due to cyclone for the first phase of elections to be held on December 9.