KOCHI: The Election Commission has asked the state to take all possible measures to ensure free and fair elections. During a meeting to review the poll preparedness convened by Election Commission director-general Sudeep Jain at Nedumbassery on Friday, the district collectors, police chiefs and other top officials were asked to complete the measures for law and order maintenance by March 31.
“Even small matters pertaining to the Assembly polls should be promptly reported to the commission. There should not be any compromise with regard to maintenance of law and order. The district election officer and police chief should have clear understanding of the situation in their districts and should be responsible for their areas,” the EC official instructed.
The visit of Mr. Jain assumes significance as the Election Commission has received complaints against a spurt in political violence in the state. The commission the other day had asked the Chief Secretary to take strict action against the criminals involved. The Election Commission official also met the representatives of political parties.
The district election officers have been instructed to keep away those officials who fail to fulfil their responsibilities. Meanwhile, Mr. Jain observed that Kerala has a very good track record in the conduct of elections with no reports of serious cases. “However, vigilance has to be intensified in areas like Kannur.”
He has asked the superintendent of police to submit a special report on the law and order situation in Kannur. “Details of sensitive areas should be collected in advance and those who possess arms should be asked to surrender them,” he said.
The official has also asked the election officers to strictly comply with the formation of election expense monitoring committees which should function efficiently. Mr. Jain also wanted strict compliance with the model code of conduct.
In the meeting, district police chiefs presented reports on the law and order situation in their areas. Chief electoral officer E.K. Majhi, additional electoral officer Dr. M.K. Beena and police nodal officer IG Balram Kumar Upadhyaya also attended the meeting.
