When just days are left for the 2014 general elections to commence, the office of Chief Electoral Officer is abuzz with activities. The commission is dealing with all nitty-gritty involved. loaded with expectation to conduct a free and fair election amid Naxal threat and misuse of money, CEO PK Jajoria shares some of the measures that can be vital during the process in an interview. Excerpts:
For the first, time NOTA is being used in the EVMs. What are the measures being taken to make itpopularIJ
We have not to popularise NOTA (None of the above) as it is also like another candidate. When we do not publicise to vote in anyone’s favour or against then how come we would publicise not to vote anyoneIJ law is not needed to be publicised and people are supposed to know about it. Already much has been written about NOTA and people know about this.
Would there be any kind of modification in the EVMs related to NOTAIJ
We will have one button for NOTA out of maximum 16 candidates can figure in an EVM. If numbers of candidates are more than 16 then another machine would be in place.
Expenditure in the polls has been a big challenge for the EC. How prepared are you this timeIJ
Instructions are there related to the expenses of the candidates and they have to do that only through bank accounts. Expenses below Rs 20,000 can be done in cash that also has to be accounted. Candidates or their agents have to open accounts a day before filling nomination.
From when the Commission would start monitoring the election expenditure of the candidatesIJ
We have already started the process and set up cells in districts. Checking has been started and we are in the process to deploy magistrates as monitoring and surveillance teams. We have also arranged for airport surveillance on which officials of Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate would be placed.
CISF teams would check everyone after embarking. In the areas where there is no scheduled flights and CISF, the district administration would be responsible for preventing any possible misuse of money taking place. Candidates have been told not to carry unaccounted cash over Rs 50,000.
The EC is also in the process of appointing brand ambassadors to encourage polling.
Election Commission has already appointed some of the figures including MS Dhoni, Mary Kom etc. We have sent a proposal for Deepika Kumari which has not come after approval. It is the approach of the EC to involve more voters in the process.
The EC has organised two-day special camps to enroll voters. What has been the responseIJ
It has been tremendous. About 1.5 lakh new enrollments have taken place. The electoral rolls have to be updated before the date of filling nominations and by March 20 the final electoral roll would be in place for this election.
large numbers of first time voters are into the list. How are you planning to bring them to pollingboothsIJ
The campaign is already continuing that include informed voting as well. We are trying our best that more and more voter turnout this time as it was about 50 per cent last time.
Have you identified difficult terrains in Jharkhand where conducting polls would be a challengeIJ
There are difficult terrains in the State where we have considerable presence of Naxals. We would have special arrangements for those areas this time that include air dropping the polling party at various booths. Sufficient numbers of central security forces are arriving but I cannot give you the figures right now.
The EC has been strict on paid news. How would you tackle it in JharkhandIJ
We would keep an eye on paid news and have made committees in every district. This apart, the EC would have special attention over manifestos released by parties and over its realism. You cannot promise that I would give moon after winning! They will have to disclose that how will they arrange the money required to fulfill any particular promise. False promises are not to be made.