PANAJI
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has warned of strict action against those found influencing or intimidating those voters on election duty who are entitled to exercise their franchise through postal ballots.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the officer of the CEO said it had been brought to its notice that some political functionaries had been trying to approach voters on election duty and trying to exert undue influence on them to vote in their favour.
“It is brought to the notice of voters, candidates and all concerned that as per the Representation of the People Act, secrecy of voting is not to be infringed. Further, the Postal Ballot system is foolproof, and the voter’s identity cannot be revealed from postal ballots.”
“Bribery and undue influence is a form of corrupt practices within the purview of Sections 123 (1) and (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with sections 171 B and 171 C of the Indian Penal Code 1860 which is a punishable offence in addition to other penalties.”
“Therefore, all concerned are warned that strict action will be taken against the violators if, at any point in time, any person is found influencing and/or intimidating any voter.”
“Similarly, if any voter demands any gratification for voting through a postal ballot, strict action under the law and departmental action will be initiated,” stated the CEO’s notice.
The CEO has invited the public to write to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (email id: [email protected]) or contact the Additional Chief Electoral Officer or the District Election Officer/Collectors in person with evidence, for any specific complaint in the matter.
The Congress and other parties have been accusing some BJP politicians of trying to influence government servants who are expected to exercise their franchise through postal ballots.
The CEO has also sought a report from District Election Officers (DEOs) and the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding accusations by the Congress over alleged postal ballot malpractices by the ruling BJP.
