The Election Commission has launched an intensive campaign for ethical voting in the Lok Sabha elections.
At a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar said the EC, which targeted the supply side during the 2011 Assembly elections, was now asking people not to take bribe for voting.
Giving or taking bribe for voting is illegal.
A case each has been filed in Ramanathapuram and Namakkal for giving and taking money. People should categorically reject any offer in cash or in kind and vote with conscience, he appealed. NGOs were working to create awareness. School students were asked to take a pledge from parents, he said detailing the efforts made to galvanize people to ethical voting.
Agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan is one of the personalities roped in for the campaign wherein people would be urged to reject the ‘cash for vote’ culture which was detrimental to democracy, he said.
EC visit The Election Commission would visit the State on April 12 to review poll preparedness. The EC would hold discussions with the recognised political parties first followed by a meeting with Collectors, Commissioners of Police and SPs. And then, there would be a session with Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director-General of Police, the CEO said.
As there are more candidates in the fray now, this has led to a shortage of 10,500 ballot units in the State. EC has been informed and arrangements have been made to transport machines from other States.
Six northern districts, including Chennai, will use ballot units manufactured post-2006 while the remaining districts will use pre-2006 units, he said.
