Reviewing the poll preparedness of the five states going to Assembly polls, Chief Election Commission (CEC) J.M. Lyngdoh today expressed displeasure at the shortcomings in the electoral rolls of some states, especially Delhi.The Chief Election Officers (CEOs) of the five states — Mizoram, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan — were also present at the meeting where the election infrastructure, law and order situation, requirement of observers and updating of electoral rolls were discussed in detail. The sensitive areas which would need special attention from the Election Commission were also demarcated.Sources in the Commission said the poll dates are likely to be announced anytime between the first week of October and Diwali. As the Election Commission is pushing for simultaneous polls in all states on a single day, the Assembly elections are likely to be held in November end as the Mizoram Assembly has to meet latest by December 7.The Commission will meet the Home Secretary at the end of this month to work out the details and put in a requisition for the Central Paramilitary forces for the Assembly Elections. ‘‘The dates will be announced thereafter,’’ sources in the Commission said.Lyngdoh said the electoral rolls have to be made more transparent and displayed at all gram-sabhas and resident welfare associations. He also directed the CEOs to hold one more drive to update the electoral rolls. The Commission also underlined the need to ensure accurate and defect-free electoral rolls in these five states. The CEC, however, was satisfied with the pace at which the photo-identity cards for the elections are being issued. He directed the CEOs to complete the process and indicated that all voters in the upcoming elections should have a photo ID card. It would be mandatory.In the post-lunch session of the meeting, the CEOs individually apprised the CEC of the situation in their respective states.
