In an effort to strictly enforce the principle of one man one vote, the Election Commission of India (ECI) in an order dated February 7 has directed all voters in each of the 60 ACs in the state would have to produce the ‘authenticated photo voter slip’ issued by the election machinery for identification in the polling stations.
According to state chief electoral officer (CEO) office, if any elector does not have his/her photo in the Electoral-Rolls he/she shall have to produce any of the alternative photo documents mentioned in the order for establishing their identity.
Photo voter slips have been made mandatory as Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) have not been issued in Nagaland and as on date 97.31% voters have their photos in Electoral-Rolls (E-Roll).
CEO has earlier directed all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) to take necessary steps to prevent illegal move for exercising voting of the entire family by the head of the family or any other member.
CEO’s office further stated that apart from contravening the principles of one person one vote enshrined in the Constitution of India, such a practice was a criminal offence under Section 17ID and 17IF of the Indian Penal Code.
The chief electoral officer’s office has requested DCs and DEOs to bring to the notice of the village authorities and municipal/town councils, candidates and political parties and take necessary steps to prevent such criminal offences.
With the new directive of the election commission of India regarding issuance of authenticated photo voter slips, the district authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance.
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