Major political parties in the Opposition have asked the Election Commission (EC) to deploy Central forces in Uttar Pradesh before the nomination process begins for the State Assembly elections. The political parties have also pointed out the fact that police personnel belonging to one particular caste have been deployed in majority of the police stations in the State.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday after wrapping up a three day visit of the EC, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi said that the political parties have requested that the poll schedule be prepared keeping in view the board examinations for 10th and 12 classes. He said poll panel has to complete the poll process before May 28 next year. CEC said the commission has taken note of the complaint by the political parties regarding the free and fair polls and would take all possible steps to ensure free and fair elections in UP.
“The political parties that met us expressed their concern over the law and order situation and wanted robust arrangements to check intimidation of voters and candidates. The EC has also assured that it would check abuse of money and muscle power and ensure removal of police personnel that work under the influence of local politicians”, he said. “We will do whatever required for ensuring free and fair polls in the State. We will ensure a level playing field for all political parties in the elections. There would be no anomalies in the electoral rolls so that each genuine voter can cast their votes in a smooth manner,” said the CEC.
“The Commission would monitor the election process from the police stations and will keep a watch the activities of the policemen involved in poll duty. We will not tolerate the partisan conduct of the policemen deployed at the police stations and we have asked the State Government to post the senior police officials as per the requirement at the police stations and no junior would be allowed to officiate,” he said while referring to some political parties who alleged that the police stations are being manned by junior officials of a particular community just to help the ruling party.
The CEC said that he had already directed the top officials in the state to review of postings of cops at police stations and necessary action must be taken for the same. Cops posted at one place for more than three years will be shifted. He said that political parties said that they wanted a level playing field in the upcoming assembly elections and the Commission would ensure that their demand is met. Nasim Zaidi said that the EC was keen to make the polling station more voter- friendly. “We are making sure that there is proper electrification, availability of drinking water, ramp for the disabled persons, washrooms, waiting place and increase in number of women on poll duty so that women voters do not feel uncomfortable”, he said.
The Election Commission is also drawing up list of polling stations/police stations where violence took place in the previous elections. Replying to a question, Said said that efforts would be made to increase the voting percentage in UP. “In 2012, the voting percentage was 60 per cent and we want it to increase to 70 to 75 per cent this time”, he said. The Election Commission will be making an extensive use of information technology in the upcoming elections and will also keep an eye on the social media campaigning.