EC committed to conduct free and fair polls in Bihar: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi

PATNA: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi today reviewed the preparedness for the first three phases of Assembly polls in Bihar and said the Election Commission was committed to conduct free and fair polls.

"We have reviewed preparedness for the first three phases of Assembly polls in Bihar... we have directed the officials to ensure free, fair, peaceful, participatory and voter-friendly polls," Zaidi told reporters at the end of the full EC panel's two-day visit in the state.

The CEC was accompanied by the other two EC members -- Om Prakash Rawat and Achal Kumar Jyoti, besides top officials during meetings with political parties, district civil and police officials.

Giving a summary of the poll panel's meeting with the political parties yesterday, the CEC said the parties have expressed satisfaction over the ongoing preparations for the polls and have sought strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The parties have urged adequate measures to ensure communal amity and peace during the upcoming festival season as well as preventive measures against use of money power in the polls, to which the Commission has assured them that all needful would be done, Zaidi said.

The CEC said the political parties have also asked for special EC drives in the final 48 hours before the polls to prevent use of money power and liquor to lure voters.

Among other facilities demanded by them were more vehicles to carry campaign material to far off places and timely permission for venue of election meetings and helicopters, he said, adding that the EC has set up a single window system called 'Subidha' in all districts for grant of such permissions within 24 hours and in case of requisitioning of helicopters in 36 hours.

The decision on vehicles to be used by political parties for transporting campaign material would be taken in a day or two, the CEC said.

A software-based facility called 'Samadhan' would work like a public grievance redressal system and deal with complaints lodged by the people and voters, Zaidi said.