SEC calls for defect-free electoral roll in Arunachal Pradeash

ITANAGAR: With preparations for ensuing municipality, being held for first time, and panchayati raj elections on, State Election Commissioner (SEC) K D Singh has called upon the officials concerned to put in place 'defect-free' electoral rolls for the civic and rural body polls in Arunachal Pradesh.

The state, for the first time, is going to hold the municipality polls in Itanagar and Pasighat, along with the elections to the three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions on May 16 next.

Addressing a meeting of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all districts here yesterday, Singh asked all concerned to perform their election duties "freely and fearlessly without heeding to any other quarters."

The SEC also made it clear that in case of Panchayati raj polls, only the indigenous voters can exercise their democratic franchise, and the civic polls, being held for first time, is just like assembly and parliamentary polls where everybody can vote, sources added.