Concerned over distribution of money and liquor to woo voters during polls, the Election Commission has directed security personnel in curbing such activities.
Concerned over distribution of money and liquor by various political parties to woo voters during polls, the Election Commission has directed authorities to train security personnel in curbing such activities and ensure orderly balloting.
"The misuse of money power has emerged as a big challenge to free and fair election process. Feedback received about candidates indulging in various methods to induce voters, includes outright payment of cash that amounts to bribery and
other forms of inducements such as supply of liquor....." the EC said.
In a letter to chief electoral officers of all states and Union Territories recently, the EC gave a set of instructions, emphasising the need to impart training to police officials associated with conducting elections.
"A proper orientation about this should be given to the police officials during training programme," the EC said.
A peaceful election free from violence need not necessarily be a free and fair election, the EC said in its letter which assumes significance in the backdrop of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.
The Commission noted that inducements also include supply of food packets, holding of lunch and dinner parties in the name of 'birthdays' and 'anniversaries' and distribution of gifts in the name of mass wedding and so on.
"During the election process, a close tracking by each and every thana officer of such payments and other forms of inducement at their level is essential," the EC said, adding that whenever such events took place, video coverage should be ensured to gather sufficient documentary evidence.
Noting that liquor was transported from far away states to the election-going territories, the Commission said proper
checking at inter-state borders and commercial tax check post would be helpful in tracking such transportation of liquor.
Whenever a consignment of such liquor was intercepted, proper investigation should follow to trace the origin of supply and the destination, it said, adding that media should be briefed in case consignments were seized.
The commission also said that officials should be trained to investigate into the expenditure of recognised political parties towards star campaigners and illegal payment by any person for furthering the interest of a candidate.
Noting that police administration should remain vigilant about circulation of campaign material, which could affect communal harmony, the EC said provisions of electoral law as well as model code of conduct in this regard should be explained to the police officials during the training programme.
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