Deputy Election Commissioner, Sudhir Tripathi who is on a two day
visit to Nagaland for reviewing the poll preparedness of the ensuing
16th Lok Sabha elections, expressed satisfaction on the overall
electoral arrangements in Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference on 12th March 2014, at Hotel Japfü
Kohima, Sudhir informed about his meeting with the DGP, Chief
Secretary and Home Commissioner Nagaland earlier in the day, relating
to security arrangements, and also held video conferencing with the
DCs and SPs of various districts, reviewing election preparations
covering all aspects. The DEC also informed that during his meeting
with various recognized political parties, they have shared
apprehension relating to distribution of EPIC cards within the time
frame.
Sudhir informed that ECI, has for the first time decided for
introduction of Plastic Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in
Nagaland and Assam during the Lok Sabha polls 2014.
He further said the EVMs will have NOTA button “NOTA button will be
the last button”, he added and said that anyone who desires to
exercise NOTA can do so.
Admitting that Nagaland also falls under most expenditure sensitive
states, Sudhir said that flying squads, static surveillance and video
surveillance teams have been set up to check money and muscle power.
Lauding the role of media during the recently held election (2013)
the DEC, said that the Election commission considers media as a very
important alliance and further appealed the media to be the ears and
eyes for ensuring voters participation and ethical voting.
Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen (IAS) who was
also present, informed that total inclusion during the summary
revision as on 1st Jan 2014 was 19,305 and out of this figure 7800 are
in the age group of 18 and 19 years.
He further said that a special camp was held on 9th March 2014, where
1894 applications were received. He said that to accept or not to
accept the new additions would be screened and decided by the
respective District Election Office, Nagaland.
Commissioner Nagaland, Temjen Toy was also present at the press briefing.