From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI: Poll dates for the three northeastern states will be announced any day, sources in the Election Commission have said.
When contacted about the late announcement of polls dates, a senior officer associated with the Election Commission (EC) denied any “delay”.
“Nowadays, there is less gap between the date of announcement and holding of the polls,” he said.
The same practice has been observed in most polls held recently, the official added. One of the reasons is that for the last few years, the model code of conduct has been brought into effect with the EC announcing the dates, he added.
Earlier, it was reported that the stalemate over Naga peace settlement and identification of dubious voters in Tripura were delaying the announcement.
When the five-year limit is up, or the legislature is dissolved, fresh elections have to be called. The Election Commission puts into effect the machinery for holding an election. The constitution states that there can be no longer than six months between the last session of the dissolved Assembly and the recalling of the new House, so elections have to be concluded before then, the official pointed out.
Finding a period when elections can be held in any state is a complex affair and EC has to take into account the weather, the agricultural cycle exam schedules and religious festivals and public holidays. On top of this, there are logistical difficulties like sending out ballot boxes or EVMs, setting up polling booths, recruiting officials to oversee the elections, the official added.
The Commission will announce the schedule of elections in a press conference a few weeks before the formal poll process is set in motion, the official said.
Barring the major national parties most regional parties in Meghalaya have announced their candidates. The declared candidates and the aspiring ones have even launched their campaigning.
“We are amused that even routine official meetings both in Delhi and in state capitals have been interpreted as precursor to the announcement. Apart from ground realities there is no reason for the so-called delay he added even though poll dates were announced on January 11 when it was held five years ago,” the official said.
As soon as notifications are issued, candidates can start filing their nominations. These are scrutinised by returning officers of respective constituencies.
The validly nominated candidates can withdraw from the contest within two days from the date of scrutiny. Contesting candidates get at least two weeks for political campaign before the actual date of poll.
In its efforts to cling on to power, the Congress in Meghalaya has gone on a foundation laying spree and hence worried over official announcement of EC. BJP and the regional parties are eager for the announcement for the opposite reason.