Candidates pledge to ‘ethical, clean elections’

[caption id="attachment_163885" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Sushil Kumar Patel, standing, addressing election observers, candidates, and leaders of political parties in Dimapur on Feb. 9.[/caption] Dimapur, Feb. 9 (EMN): Candidates and their respective political party, and observers in Dimapur district have pledged to ‘clean elections’ and ethical voting. The pledge was taken during a meeting with political parties and candidates from five assembly constituencies of Dimapur; general observers along with returning officers and polling officers on Feb. 9 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office. In the meeting the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Sushil Kumar Patel, briefed the members about the issues pertaining to expenditure during the assembly elections in Nagaland. He clarified doubts raised by the candidates and representatives of political parties. He informed them about the role and purpose of the Media Certification and monitoring Committee (MCMC). He said that Electronic Voting Machines would be prepared on Feb. 18 and the 19th for the five assembly constituencies of the district. The commissioner of Dimapur Police Limasunep also highlighted issues relating to security of the candidates besides questions of law and order. He informed that every candidate would be eligible for two armed bodyguards. He said to them that house guards would be provided if there is a threat perception. The officer has appealed to them to deposit licensed fire arms to the nearest police station or at the deputy commissioner’s office. He assured ‘safety’ of the deposited fire arms. Referring to the law and order situation, Limasunep said that the situation was generally peaceful. He urged all in concern to cooperate with the security forces. He added that security checks were being undertaken to ensure that there would be no loss of life or property. He assured that police personnel would be briefed before they go out for ‘frisking.’ General observers for assembly constituencies in Dimapur district and police observer also were present in the meeting. They appealed to the candidates to abide by the policy and guidelines of the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. Further, Sara S Jamir appealed, on behalf of returning officers, to the candidates and representatives to go through the guidelines with regard to holding rallies, campaigns; vehicle permit etc. She asked them to write to their respective returning officer to lodge complaints.