The Hindu : Front Page : EC awaits report on law and order

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Sunday, Jun 24, 2007
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EC awaits report on law and order

Two more observers posted for the June 26 bypoll

MADURAI: Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalswami on Saturday asked officials in Madurai to maintain law and order without any bias, and take action in case of violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the run-up to the Madurai West bylection.

After reviewing election work with officials at the airport here, Mr. Gopalswami told reporters that the deadline given by the Election Commission to the State Government to improve the ground situation so as to avoid postponement of the byelection had not elapsed.

Asked whether law and order had improved after the Commission’s ultimatum, Mr. Gopalswami said, “There is still time left. The deadline is not over.”

The CEC instructed District Election Officer G. Sundaramurthi, City police Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar and Returning Officer Dinesh Ponraj Oliver to strictly implement the Model Code to ensure a free and fair election. “There should be no room for complaint (of impartiality) from any quarters,” the CEC told them, according to an official source. He warned them that the Commission reserved its right to postpone the byelection if it was not satisfied with the situation.

In Ramanathapuram, where he was on a private visit, Mr. Gopalswami indicated that the Commission would take a decision on the byelection after receiving a report on the law and order situation. In an informal chat with reporters, Mr. Gopalswami said he would receive the report on Sunday evening.

The issue was whether there were sufficient reasons for the Commission to postpone the byelection. “What we have said is that we will wait for a day and see.”

Asked the Commission was satisfied with the way the State Government handled the matter, Mr. Gopalswami said at this moment he had no reason to be dissatisfied. On whether this meant that the byelection would be held as per schedule, he replied it meant that he was still not satisfied.

Two more observers have been posted to monitor the byelection. M. Sivasankar and Ajithkumar will reach the constituency on Monday. They are in addition to the existing two observers in the constituency.

Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta told reporters in Chennai on Saturday that video cameras operated by paramilitary personnel would be installed in all polling booths.

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