Delhi broke all records of previous polls by making history with 65.13 per cent turnout, serenely and without any disturbances, fighting urban apathy and keeping the law and order situation in place.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), with whom rested the task of ensuring free and fair elections, thanks Delhiites, especially the youth, for exercising their right and duty and contributing to the massive turnout, breaking all records in a peaceful manner. In an exclusive interview with ADITI GUPTA, the man responsible for the electoral process in the national Capital, a relieved Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Dev shared his thoughts on completion of polling.
What led to the record- breaking voter turnout this time in the Assembly pollsIJ
It was the enthusiasm of the citizens which led to such a great turnout. We are thankful to our young voters who came out in large numbers to cast their ballot. Besides them, our Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation measures and Model Polling Stations also contributed to the high turnout as they aimed to give voters a pleasant experience.
A lot of people complained about not finding their names on voters’ list from different parts of the city.
It is unfortunate that something like this has happened but in terms of magnitude, it was very minuscule. It is not more than 0.2 per cent of the 1.19 crore electorate who couldn’t vote. However, we will investigate and find out the reason behind it and I assure you that if any official is found guilty, he will not be spared. At the same time, I also urge voters to pay attention to our advertisements through which we had urged voters to check their names on the list through SMS service and even on our website.
Were any special measures taken to draw more transgenders towards polling boothsIJ
Of course. Our focus was mainly on transgender this time, along with women and children. We had organised camps and held interactive sessions with them to make them understand the significance of exercising their franchise. The result was good.
There was an enormous number of FIRs registered against political parties for violating the Model Code of Conduct. What will happen to them nowIJ
This time we have been extremely strict and ruthless in making sure that the Model Code of Conduct was implemented properly. We had warned campaigners that we would come down on like a tonne of bricks if they were found indulging in any sort of ‘corrupt practice.’
As promised, we will take strict action against them. In fact, we have already started holding meetings with all public prosecutors to discuss their cases and will make sure they are convicted before the next elections. We will request for fast-track court/special courts to take action on not just the culprits of 2013 but of previous elections of 2008 as well.