The Election Commission has directed the electoral officers and observers of Punjab, Goa, UP, Manipur and Uttarakhand to keep their mobile phones switched off during official meetings and conferences.
“The use of mobiles phones during the EC meeting is strictly prohibited and all officers must ensure that their mobiles are kept in switch off mode silent mode to prevent any disturbance to the proceedings,” the EC said.
The EC decision is aimed at preventing leak of any sensitive information about the decisions and matters related to election. It also issued various directions towards “enhancement of overall efficiency and effectiveness of election administration.”
The panel also directed the observers and officers to download and install Whatsapp on their mobile phones.
“All observers must frequently access the Whatsapp group and convey all urgent election related information through this platform also, besides submission of detailed reports through Observer Portal and email and fax,” stated the two page directives to all the chief election officers and observers stated.
It further stated that the information regarding any important incident of issue having election related implication must immediately be brought to the notice of the commission through the Whatsapp group.
The election body also stated that the facility of near instant and faithful transmission of data through whatsapp must be used “intelligently and constructively” to keep an alert and vigilant eye on the election process in the field.The commission also issued strict warning not to use the platform for exchanging “trivia or frivolous pleasantries”.
It also warned that “no top secret or sensitive information will be shared on the whatsapp”. “In case of such information, the matter will be briefed to Chief Election Officer or Director General over phone,” the panel stated.