Date:18/01/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/18/stories/2004011804110800.htm

National

'EC for reducing poll process duration'

By Our Staff Reporter

PALAKKAD, JAN. 17. The Election Commissioner, T.S. Krishnamurthy, said the Commission would try to bring down the number of schedules for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

During the last elections there were five schedules stretching over two-and-a-half months.

This was due to the shortage of security forces to be deployed throughout the country in a short period for the smooth conduct of elections.

But this time, the duration of the election process will be brought down and it could be completed in the shortest time, he said.

The final schedule of election will be announced after the meeting of State Election Commissioners scheduled for next month in New Delhi, Mr. Krishnamurthy said.