The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already held talks with the management of Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp and other social media platforms to control and remove the fake and paid news content as part of the election management to ensure free and fair polls, said Chhattisgarh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo while holding live interaction with the voters on Facebook on Monday.
He was interacting on Facebook page of @CEOChhattisgarh and answering queries raised on the issue.
Shiwesh Singh and Ankit Mishra sought details on social media and complaints to be lodged in case of fake news; to which the CEO replied that monitoring would be done through the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
The advertisements released through social media would also be included in the expenses of candidates. Complaints can be lodged with Returning Officer, DEO, CEO and through toll free number 1950 or through e-mail given on website.
To a query by Jagit Singh Chouhan and Ahmed Raza and others regarding linking of Aadhar number with electoral roll, Sahoo said after the recent Supreme Court judgement, the ECI is looking into alternative modes.
Panna Adil asked if there will be possibility of voting through mobile phone in future, Sahoo said that with technological advancement if it can be possible, then may be considered by the Election Commission of India in future.
Many voters raised questions on issue of liquor sale during polls, some wanted ban and some wanted ban before 15 days of polling on which Sahoo said that as any other commodity, Commission cannot impose any ban on liquor but as per rules, Commission keeps a tab on manufacturing, transportation, storage, sale and other aspects of any illegal activity and ensures action.
Faraz Khan who sought steps to stop criminals from contesting polls to which Sahoo said political parties have to take the lead and there should be legal provisions for it. If the voter has any suggestions, then it would be forwarded to higher ups.
Many voters sought to know as to what to do when allurement of cash and kind by political parties is given for voting to which Sahoo said this year slogan for Chhattisgarh State Assembly election 2018 is “Sugham, Sugadh, Samaveshi” (accessible, fair and inclusive) for ensuring free, fair and peaceful election. So, no one should fall in any type of allurement but cast the vote without fear to ensure free and fair election.