CEO urges people to vote despite all odds

On the eve of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state,Chief Electoral Officer Debashis Sen apprehends that this phase will be a tough one.

The first phase of election is a tough one. With Maoist-hit areas going for polls tomorrow and some pockets of disturbed areas in North Bengal also gearing up to vote,the situation is slightly tense. However,our officers are on their toes and we hope that the election will pass off peacefully, Sen said.

Sen claimed that while 50 per cent of the polling personnel have already started reaching the polling booths and constituencies in Maoist-hit areas,some have decided to reach the spot by early morning on Thursday. According to Sen,no news of any bandh in Maoist areas have reached him and he urged the people to go for voting despite all odds.

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Police are not able to enter the core areas of Lalgarh for the last five months and we had the option of either holding the elections without the presence of the police or not to have elections or shift the booths to other suitable locations. With 35,000 to 40,000 voters expected to exercise their franchise in the 49 booths,it was imperative to think of a sustainable solution, said Sen.

Claiming that the Lok Sabha election this year will see more Central forces,digital cameras,video cameras and micro-observers for better and stricter surveillance,Sen said there is an option for even those who did not wish to cast their votes for any candidate.

They could register at polling booths and exercise their franchise under Rule 49(O) of the Conduct of Election Rules,1969 where after confirming his identity he can convey to the presiding election officer that he did not want to vote for anyone.

We were trying to provide a button None of the above in EVMs,but as a case was pending in the Supreme Court it could not be implemented, said Sen.

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