Nagaland fully prepared for free and fair polls: CEO

KOHIMA, Feb 18
Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, V Shashank She-khar has expressed confi- dence on the overall prepa-ration of the entire State election machineries, and that it will be conducted in a smooth and free and fair manner.
Speaking exclusively to AIR News on the poll preparedness in Nagaland, Mr Shekhar said, several rounds of training for district election officers, returning officers,  polling parties, EVM nodal officers have been conducted, while Electronic Voting Machines were dispatched to the respective districts and stored in strong rooms.
He also apprised that the election office is constantly in touch with different stakeholders and holding meeting with political parties as well with the enfor- cement agencies, police and administrative machinery.
Mentioning some unique features of the upcoming election, Shekhar informed that many village councils have voluntarily come forward and passed resolutions for a free and fair election whereby the village councils have decided not to accept any inducement or indulge in any kind of electoral malpractice. These villages are Nihokhu in Niuland district, K Basa and Thizama village in Kohima, while some are from Wokha district.
The CEO assured that although some of the polling booths are located in geographically remote areas, it is the endeavour of the entire election machineries to reach out to eligible voters who desire to vote.
On the facilities provided to seniors citizens and Persons with Disabilities during the election, he said the Commission and the entire election machinery is very sensitive to the needs of the senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities.
He said under the Commission’s supervision, basic facilities like water, toilets, and ramps for disabled person are made available in all polling booths.
In addition, wheelchairs will be provided as required, while volunteers will also be available to assist PWD voters to come to vote.
                         AIR News