Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010752670400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Poll panel directive on agents

CHENNAI: The Election Commission has directed that polling agents who are appointed for polling stations by the candidates contesting for the Thirumangalam by-election and those appointed by them to man the booths set up on the poll day beyond 200 mt of the polling station shall be residents and electors of the respective polling areas. Such agents must have the Elector’s Photo ID Card and should display it prominently on their person on the day of polling for easy identification.

In order to regulate the queue in polling stations to ensure that no non-voter joins it, identification officers will be appointed to check the document in possession of voters queuing up.

Only those who possess the EPIC or any one of the nine documents prescribed by the ECI to establish identity will be allowed to remain in the queue and cast their votes, according to a release. — Special Correspondent