The Election Commission (EC) is likely to deploy special election observers in sensitive districts in the State for the Lok Sabha election.
While a final decision in this regard is awaited, politically volatile Kannur, which accounts for over 50% of the vulnerable, critical and sensitive polling stations, and Pathanamthitta, on account of the Sabarimala controversy, are the likely candidates in Kerala.
“The commission has taken a policy decision to assign special election observers in addition to the general, expenditure, and police observers in a number of States. Very senior government officials will be appointed as special observers. This is, in fact, the first time that they are being appointed,” Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena told The Hindu.
The general and expenditure observers - one each for every district - and the police observers will arrive in the State on the eve of the filing of the nomination papers. “The special observers - if they are posted to Kerala - will arrive later on. They will serve as observers above the observers. They will travel across the State and report directly to the Election Commission,” Mr. Meena said.
750 vulnerable booths
Approximately 750 vulnerable, critical and sensitive polling stations have been identified in the State. This number may go up further once the candidates are finalised, Mr. Meena said.
“More than 50% of these sensitive locations are in Kannur. Kannur, in fact, is on the commission’s radar,” he said.
Mr. Meena reiterated that the model code of conduct would be “ruthlessly” enforced in the State. “We have to implement the code without fear or favour,” he said.