The Hindu : No one must be coerced to vote, says CEC

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 03, 2004

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No one must be coerced to vote, says CEC

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, APRIL 2. The Chief Election Commissioner, T.S. Krishnamurthy, said here today that no one should coerce people to vote in the coming elections, and action would be taken against those preventing people from exercising their franchise.

At a news conference here, Mr. Krishnamurthy said the Commission was aware of reports of possible boycott of the elections, but people should cast their precious vote. "We had a meeting with the Unified Headquarters and issued directions to the top brass of the security forces to ensure that people were not coerced to vote, and they assured that they will take necessary steps in this direction."

The Commission, he said, was committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for every voter to vote. But if there was an organised pattern to physically prevent people from casting their vote, the Commission would intervene and take action against those indulging in such a practice. "We will not spare any effort in making the atmosphere conducive."

Mr. Krishnamurthy justified the imposition of Section 144 (restriction on unlawful assembly) in some areas. "It is the legitimate decision of the police authorities if they apprehend any problem and feel that the voter should be protected."

The 2002 Assembly elections in the State was a significant event as they were absolutely free and fair. "We have come here to reassure that the safeguards are more than adequate." The Commission had received complaints against officials who were allegedly violating the code of conduct. "We want to send a strong message that no violation will be tolerated," he said.

The Election Commissioners, B.B. Tandon and N. Gopalaswamy, were present at the press meet.

Mr. Tandon said that for the first time the Commission had made the filing of affidavits by the candidates mandatory wherein they have to submit details about their property, both movable and immovable, and other assets. "This information will be widely disseminated for the information of voters to chose their candidate."

The full Commission held discussions with the State authorities and the representatives of political parties.

Yaseen Malik, Shabir Shah arrested

Police arrested the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Mohammad Yaseen Malik, and the Democratic Freedom Party chief, Shabir Shah, when they were on their way to Baramulla and Kupwara to continue with their anti-election campaign. Mr. Malik was arrested in Baramulla, and Mr. Shah near Mirgund on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway.

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