In a video conference with the election observers, the Chief Election Commissioner, OP Rawat has asked them to keep a close eye on liquor supply and ensure that it is not used to influence voters. He was interacting with election observers sent to MP in a video conference on Tuesday. CEC said that though enough measures have been taken to cut supply of illegal liquor but one should keep close watch on supply of legal liquor as well and ensure that it isn’t use to influence voters.
Election commission has deployed general observer, police observer, expenditure observer and accessibility observers in all assembly constituencies. CEC reiterated that voter slips should be distributed by November 23, five days before poll and undistributed slips should be kept in a sealed packet. He asked the observers to inspect polling booths and ensure minimum facilities including electricity, drinking water and toilets at the booths. For PWD (persons with disabilities) voters facilities like ramps too should be ensured.
CEC insisted that observers should be well conversant with polling booths in their areas and special focus should remain on vulnerable pockets. Arrangements like webcasting, CCTV and videography should be checked at all critical polling stations.
The observers should also remain well aware about deployment of central armed police forces.
Expenditure observers were asked to remain alert and keep a watch especially on identified sensitive constituencies. All observers were told to publicise the cVigil mobile application so that its optimum use could be done in the last 48 hours before the polls- that are considered to be most crucial. CEC also took account of complaints received through the app and the redressal status of the complaints.