Patna, 4 October (). Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dnyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections in Patna on Saturday. During this time, political parties have suggested to elections in low stages after Chhath.
The Election Commission met representatives of national and state level political parties recognized in the state during a two -day review visit of Bihar. These included Aam Aadmi Party, BSP, BJP, CPI (Marxist), Congress, National People’s Party, CPI (Male) (Liberation), JD (U), LJP (Ram Vilas), RJD and RLSP.
During the meeting, the Commission sought suggestions from all parties and encouraged them to celebrate the election in a sense of celebration with voters. Meanwhile, the CEC called political parties as an important stakeholder of strong democracy and called for full participation in every stage of the election process.
The Election Commission said that political parties recently thanked the Commission for cleaning the special intensive revision (SIR) exercises and voter lists. He also reiterated his faith in electoral processes.
He said that the parties suggested that elections should be held immediately after the Chhath festival with the aim of maximizing the participation of voters and completed as much as possible.
Along with this, the parties also appreciated the several initiatives of the Commission, including limiting the number of polling station voters to 1,200, completing the counting of postal ballots before the final round of EVM counting and ensuring distributing form 17C to party agents by the Presiding Officer (PRO). All parties expressed full confidence in the commission’s ability to ensure fair, independent and transparent elections.
After discussion with political parties, the Commission made a detailed review with Commissioners, IG, DIGS, DEO, SSP and SP on various aspects like election plan, EVM management, law and order, and voter awareness.
The Commission directed the officials to work with full impartiality and ensure a quick resolution of the complaints of political parties. In addition, all District Education Officers and Superintendents of Police were instructed to keep a close watch on the social media platforms for fake news and take quick legal action if needed.
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SAK/DSC
