All possible measures have been taken to complete the panchayat election peacefully in the State without any hitches, said State Election Commissioner Subardhan on Monday.
He appealed the voters to reach the polling centres and exercise their franchise without fear. Moreover, thousands of candidates who had not submitted previous Panchayat election campaign expenditure on said date to the election office were disqualified from contesting the Panchayat election this year.
He directed the contesting candidates to submit their election expenditure within 30 days as failure to comply will result in their disqualification from contesting Panchayat election for the next six years, he added.
A total of 47, 699 candidates are in the fray for 60, 437 different posts- district Panchayat member, Block Panchayat member, Gram Pradhan and Gram Panchayat member in the Panchayat election in Uttarakhand.
Subardhan said that around 50 observers have been appointed for free and fair, unbiased, peaceful and transparent Panchayat election in the State. The observers have been directed to ensure that modal code of conduct is implemented in letter and spirit during the polls.
He directed the district police heads to deploy adequate police force at each polling booth apart from taking all possible measures for ensuring peaceful conduct of Panchayat election in their districts. Additional force will be deployed at the polling booths identified as sensitive and ultra sensitive.
Election officers have been directed to ensure that no candidate takes out rally or public meeting on Election Day. Instruction has been issued to the election officers to take action against those who break the law during polling.
The election officers and police officers have been directed to be vigilant to prevent candidates from distributing liquor or money to motivate the voters in their favour in the election, he added.
He further said, “I appeal the voters to reach polling booth and exercise their franchise without fear. All the possible measures have been taken to complete the Panchayat election peacefully in the State.”