Imphal, January 12: Brand new Electronic Voting machines (EVMs) with added features would be used in the ensuing 9th State Assembly elections, said Chief Electoral Officer RR Rashmi.

Briefing reporters today at DIPR office, the CEO informed that the upgraded EVMs can display the date and time of every vote polled in addition to the time of commencement and closure of the polling.

The brand new EVMs expected to arrive at Imphal by next week would replace the EVMs already dispatched to district Hqs.

To oversee the poll preparations being taken up by the State, Deputy Election Commissioner of ECI JP Prakash would be arriving at the State capital on Jan 20, he said.

A 30 member team of election observers recommended by the Election Commission would also be arriving here from January 19 onwards.

The observers would go to all the districts to see that the election code of conduct is strictly adhered to.

They would also study various other critical issues related to the ensuing polls.

As per the schedule prescribed by the ECI, election notification for the first phase of polls would be issued tomorrow, the CEO informed adding that his office is considering certain requests that the nomination papers be made submissible to other offices in addition to the office of the Returning Officer.

Elaborate arrangements for video coverage during poll campaign and polling hours would also be made at sensitive and hyper sensitive polling stations, the CEO said.

Concerning the reports of certain irregularities in the electoral lists of some areas in Chandel district, Rashmi said that the matter has already been placed before the Election Commission.

He further asked all concerned to abide by the election code of conduct.