VPP demands probe into JHADC poll misconduct

SHILLONG, April 14: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Monday demanded a probe to ensure accountability after alleging that the state government had failed to conduct the elections to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in a free and fair manner.
The VPP levelled the charge nearly two months after JHADC went to polls along with the KHADC on February 21. The results were declared on February 24.
The party captured power in KHADC and came second after the National People’s Party in JHADC.
In a letter addressed to Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, VPP general secretary Ricky AJ Syngkon said based on ground reports, the party had identified several polling stations across constituencies as sensitive and highly sensitive.
He said the party had requested the District Election Officers of West Jaintia Hills (Jowai) and East Jaintia Hills (Khliehriat) to make adequate security arrangements to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.
According to him, the purpose of this request was to prevent voter intimidation, booth capturing, and any activities that could disrupt the electoral process.
“Despite prior intimation and specific requests, sufficient preventive measures were not taken by the District Election Officers to ensure proper security in these sensitive areas,” alleged Syngkon, who is also the Shillong MP.
In the letter, he further alleged that several incidents of booth capturing and rigging occurred across polling stations in both West and East Jaintia Hills districts on the day of polling.
He said the polling officials were left helpless due to the lack of adequate security, ultimately compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
Syngkon highlighted two particular incidents where miscreants vandalised or damaged Electronic Voting Machines at Wapungskur A and Wapungskur B polling stations under the Musniang-Rangad constituency, and Bataw A and Bataw B polling stations under the Bataw-Lakadong constituency. He mentioned that re-polling was ordered in these polling stations.
He alleged that the election agents of the VPP were prevented from entering polling stations by “musclemen” affiliated with rival parties and as such, they could not monitor or report on the proceedings. In light of these developments and to protect the democratic rights of voters, Syngkon said the VPP had requested the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to provide security for the Wapungskur residents during re-polling held on February 22.
“Despite being made fully aware of the highly sensitive nature of these polling stations and receiving prior alerts, no substantial steps were taken to prevent or mitigate these violent disruptions,” he said, reiterating the party’s call for accountability and inquiry.