# Demand repoll for service voters using EVMs n DEO says all ECI rules followed
the goan I network
PANAJI
Alleging serious violation of the guidelines laid down by Election Commission of India for casting of postal ballots, Goa Forward Party, Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Goa Vikas Party and Goa Suraj Party joined forces in seeking a repoll using Electronic Voting Machines for the 17,900 service voters on one specific day before March 11.
CEO, Goa has forwarded a report of the discussion to Election Commission of India for further action.
During the meeting, District Electoral Officer Nila Mohanan insisted that all ECI guidelines were followed and that all candidates were intimated in writing regarding the date and time of casting postal ballots at facilitation centre.
However, Dilip Prabhudesai of GFP informed that no such intimation was given in Margao and Fatorda constituencies. He further pointed out that as against the guideline that drop boxes kept at Returning Officers’ offices should be opened on the previous evening of the counting day, drop boxes had already been opened by the RO in Margao and Fatorda.
The CEO has directed DEO, South Swapnil Naik to conduct an inquiry into both these allegations and to report within 24 hours. The CEO has also assured to inquire into the allegation that postal ballots were issued on February 18 to a government servant in North Goa.
Referring to the special camp for casting postal ballots conducted on February 18, the CEO insisted that there was no deviation from ECI guidelines in the matter. However, Durgadas Kamat of GFP later informed, “When questioned about the guidelines which mandated conducting of special camp for service voters, DEO, North admitted that there are no such guidelines and declared that she owns full responsibility of the special camp.”
Interestingly, while the 2014 guidelines state ‘If any voter did not cast vote at the facilitation center or dispatch centre then he can vote only by post. No drop box facility
ECI guidelines dated March 7, 2014 on postal ballots
Signed Form 12 to be collected on the first day of training or as soon as possible
RO to prepare postal ballot for those who submit signed Form 12
No postal ballot can be issued after a marked copy of the electoral roll is ready to be sent to the presiding officer for conduct of polls.
Each training center will also be a facilitation center so that government servants on election duty can cast their postal ballots from second session onwards
RO to send postal ballot to officer-in-charge of postal balloting facilitation center at training sessions
Police personnel and other categories to be called in for training at least once to facilitate postal ballots
At least two hours or more if necessary should be set apart during each session for postal balloting
Facilitation ballot box should be one large steel trunk with one opening at the top
Entire process to be videographed
Ballots received through post to be delivered at 3 pm each day and can be received till 8 am on counting day
