Kerala CEO Teeka Ram Meena points strict pointers to forestall bogus voting in Assembly polls

By Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Teeka Ram Meena has come out with strict pointers to forestall bogus voting on the idea of a number of and inaccurate entries within the voters’ listing within the upcoming meeting election.

During a preliminary probe carried out by District Collectors, it was discovered that names of voters had been repeated and in some instances a number of names had been entered utilizing a single {photograph}. Instances of various voter data towards a single electoral ID quantity had been additionally detected.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala had filed round 5 complaints concerning such voter frauds to the ballot panel. District Collectors have been instructed to examine cases of a number of entries in all 140 meeting constituencies. Special groups headed by Electoral Registration Officers will compete checking of electoral roll by March 25. 

The officers have been instructed to detect a number of entries and uncertain credentials utilizing logical error technique utilizing a particular software program. A listing of voters whose names determine greater than as soon as could be ready on the booth-level. 

The listing will likely be handed over to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who will conduct subject go to to  establish real voters. This will likely be completed throughout doorstep supply of voters’ slips  voters needs to be instructed that they’ll solid just one vote even when their names determine in a number of lists. 

BLOs have been instructed to notice down instances of repetition within the voters listing and submit it to Returning Officers (ROs) earlier than March 30. The ROs will go on this listing of a number of entries to the presiding officers of polling stations. 

On polling day, Presiding officers can have the listing of names which were entered greater than as soon as within the electoral roll in order to forestall bogus voting. Such voters will likely be allowed to go away polling cubicles solely after the indelible ink on their finger has utterly dried up. 

If extra errors are detected within the listing, the sales space issues will likely be put below webcasting and CCTV surveillance in case such services  shouldn’t be already obtainable. The listing of a number of entries will likely be given to political events as properly. Even if polling brokers don’t complain, ascertaining the genuineness of the voter is the responsibility of the polling officer, the CEO reminded. 

In case impersonation is discovered to be carried out, strict motion will likely be taken towards the polling official involved. The CEO has really helpful motion towards officers who additionally commit lapses in figuring out a number of entries. 

The CEO has requested District Collectors to submit standing report on the motion taken as per the rules by March 30.