SEC steps in as nomination centres turn flashpoints

Amaravati: Complaints that candidates were being prevented from filing nominations at multiple centres have forced the state election commission (SEC) to intervene, with state election commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha directly contacting collectors in six locations to avert further escalation on the final day of nominations for municipal elections on Monday.

Pulivendula, Rayachoti, Tirupati, Darsi, Rajampeta and Dachepalli figured in the Commission’s review after reports of tense conditions and allegations that candidates were being obstructed from entering the electoral contest.

With the nomination deadline approaching, the immediate challenge for the election machinery is to ensure that eligible candidates can submit their papers without political pressure, intimidation or interference.

Punetha spoke to the collectors concerned and issued instructions to bring the situation under control and prevent a repeat of the reported incidents.

The Commission has directed collectors to ensure that adequate police forces are deployed at every nomination centre on Sunday, when a large influx of candidates is expected. Officials have been told to provide security to all candidates, facilitate the filing of valid nominations and ensure that procedural rules are not used to obstruct eligible contestants.

Punetha directed officials to act against attempts to disrupt nominations and stressed that the election machinery must guarantee equal opportunity to every candidate.

Collectors were instructed to install CCTV cameras at nomination centres immediately, in compliance with High Court directions, to strengthen surveillance and oversight.

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The Hans India