New Delhi, April 18 (IANS). Ahead of the April 23 assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission on Saturday clarified that the entry of media persons into polling stations will be strictly controlled by the presiding officers.
The Election Commission said in a statement that any misuse of authorization letters is strictly prohibited. Photography/video recording inside the polling booth is strictly prohibited so as not to violate the confidentiality of voting.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) said that as per Rule 32 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the Presiding Officer will be the competent authority to control the entry of media into polling stations. Request for issue of authorization letter for such entry by media persons can be made to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) through the Directorate of State Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
It is reiterated that media persons authorized by the Election Commission for poll day coverage are also included in the category of essential services and are entitled to postal ballot facility at Postal Polling Center (PVC), the statement said.
After scrutiny and certification, the consolidated list of recommended media persons is sent by the CEO to the Commission for approval.
The statement said that the authorization letter is issued only after due authentication by the CEO/DEO or any authorized officer. The Commission has mandated that no copying or rubber stamps will be used in the process to maintain authenticity and fairness.
The Commission reiterated that the objective of the multi-tier media verification process is to ensure that only duly verified and authorized personnel are allowed entry into the polling stations and counting centres, thereby ensuring fairness, security and smooth conduct of the electoral process.
The statement said that media persons authorized by the Election Commission for polling day coverage have also been included in the category of essential services and are eligible to avail the postal ballot facility at Postal Polling Center (PVC).
–IANS
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