Imphal, November 24 2009: Chief Electoral Officer in-charge N Pravin has intimated political parties that only central para-military forces would be used in the by-election to Yaiskul Assembly constituency.

On the other hand, Janata Dal (Secular) has decided to field O Mahavir as its candidate in the Yaiskul A/C by-poll.

A decision was adopted to this effect during a meeting of the party held today with party president and ex-MP (Rajya Sabha) W Kullabidhu in the chair.

In connection with the by-poll scheduled for December 19, a meeting of all political parties was convened by the CEO at the conference hall of Old Secretariat this afternoon.

The meeting was attended by representatives of NCP, INC, RJD, MPP, BJP CPI (M) and JD (S) .

Saying that people lacked confidence in electronic voting machine (EVM), the political party representatives suggested ballot paper for the Yaiskul by-poll.

Highlighting possible misuse of power, they also proposed imposing ban against MLAs and Ministers from entering Yaiskul Assembly segment on the day of poll.

The political parties' representatives opined that the gap of four days between the day of polling and counting was too long.

They expressed apprehension about some parties or groups taking recourse to unfair means taking advantage of the long gap.

They expressed their preference of BSF or Army over CRPF for election duties.

After listening to all the points raised by the representatives, CEO N Pravin said that EVMs are qualified machines for polling.

There is no question of manipulating EVMs, he said.

Political parties may check EVMs before they are taken by polling personnel for polling and when they return after polling.

Saying that all election schedules including dates of polling and counting were fixed by the Election Commission of India.

Due written intimations have been sent to ECI and Ministry of Home Affairs for deployment of only central para-military forces on the polling day.

Only the security personnel sanctioned by the Ministry would be used in the by-poll, the CEO said.

He also appealed to the political parties to make the by-poll peaceful.

Another meeting convened by the CEO discussed about the by-poll with officials of Transport, PWD, Power, Water Supply, IG (L/O-I), SP Imphal East, DCs of Imphal East and Imphal West.

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