ECI suggests more central forces in sensitive areas

 Hyderabad: Officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed deployment of more central forces in sensitive areas and asked state electoral officers to clear complaints being filed by different political parties on a priority basis and not keep any of them pending.

ECI officials were in a video conference with all Telangana electoral officers. They took stock of the arrangements for the November 30 elections. EC officials sought details about cash and material that were seized and suggested that the genuine ones be returned to their rightful owners after proper verification.

Earlier, chief electoral officer (CEO) Vikas Raj conducted a video conference with the GHMC commissioner, DEO Hyderabad, district election officers and all returning officers.

The CEO emphasized that reports that are to be sent to the ECI must be submitted in his office within the time frame. He reviewed the status of home voting, which is being done for the first time in Telangana. This ‘voting at home’ facility is available for senior citizens and PwD voters, who are not keen on visiting the polling booths.

The CEO took confirmation from all DEOs about the receipt of both postal and EVM ballot papers and advised them to verify them in accordance with ECI guidelines, besides ensuring their safety with round the clock monitoring.

Meanwhile, of the 43.96 lakh new EPICs that are to be printed in Telangana, 40.72 lakh have been received. The printing part is to be completed within the next few days. So far, 27 lakh EPICs have been delivered to the voters by the department of posts. Distribution of the remaining EPICs will be completed in the next five days.