Nobody will be allowed to intimidate them. Reiterating that voting is the discretion of the electors alone, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Mr. N. Gopalaswami assured voters in Jammu (J&K) on Thursday that no one will be allowed to force electors to vote or stop them from voting, adding that directions in this regard have been communicated to all the District Election Officers.

The CEC asserted that Election Commission will make all arrangements for the voters to cast their votes without any fear.
The CEC was addressing a largely-attended press conference here this evening before winding up the two-day visit of the full Election Commission to Jammu & Kashmir.

The CEC said that the Commission is satisfied with the arrangements made for free, fair and transparent elections in the State. While stating that the security will be equitably provided across the State, the CEC said that on demand of certain political parties, he will seek an assurance from State Administration and Police on the issue of security cover for candidates from the day they make their nominations, adding that there will be proper sanitation so that candidates will be in a position to canvass.

Earlier in the day, the ECI held meetings with various political parties and in the afternoon took a full review of the poll preparedness with District Election Officers of Jammu Division as well as SSPs of the respective districts.

The CEC further stated that after meeting representatives of various political parties, it was ordered that polling agents will sit alongside Presiding/Polling officers which will allow them to monitor poll process. On the issue of various Returning Officers asking for No Dues Certificates from PHE and Power Departments from the candidates at the time of filing of nominations.

Mr. Gopalaswami stated the certificate should not be insisted, adding an affidavit is required to be submitted by the candidates which clearly reflects that they will submit No Dues Certificate in due course of time, failing which appropriate action will be taken in the matter.

Replying a question on errors in the electoral rolls with specific reference to Chhamb, Bhaderwah, Jammu East, Jammu West and Gandhinagar constituencies, the CEC said the same will be rectified in the supplementary lists when these are issued. Expressing concern on low EPIC percentage, the CEC said that making of new EPICs before polling days is difficult, adding that any one of the 13 documents of identification can be used in absence of EPICs.

In reply to a question about the scheduling of polling days, the CEC said the same has been done keeping in view elections in five other states and the availability of security forces, which he added was the main reason for splitting the elections in the State into seven phases.

In reply to another question about the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in the State, the CEC stated that the proposal has been received by the Commission and is being examined.

Mr. Gopalaswami said that the Election Commission of India has ordered suspension of SDM, Mahore and transfer of SDM, Zanskar on complaints about the discharge of their duties during the poll process in their respective areas of jurisdiction. He said complaints about some other officers received by the Commission will be looked into for appropriate action.

Mr. Gopalaswami was flanked by the two Election Commissioners, Mr. Naveen Chawla and Mr. S.Y. Quareshi as well as the Deputy Election Commissioner Mr. S. Bhattacharya. Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Mr. B.R. Sharma was also present on the occasion.