With just six days left for polling in the ensuing Assembly elections in Nagaland, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), of the State, Abhijit Sinha on Tuesday appealed to all central and state government employees to maintain strict impartiality and discharge their duties as per the rules and provisions of law.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the CEO drew the attention of the government employees on Section 129, 134 and 134A of the Representation of People Act 1951, which stated that ‘no government servant is to act for furthering the prospect of any candidate, act as polling/counting agent’.
The statement further warned of penalties for breach of official duty in connection with conduct of election which are punishable under the law.
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The CEO further said every government employee is expected to promote the spirit of democracy by actively participating for a ‘free, fair and peaceful election’, while adding that it is the responsibility of every government employee, being an agent of the government to ‘educate the public on good practices during election so as to eliminate all electoral malpractices’.
The CEO also reminded all the government officials who are appointed as returning officer, assistant returning officer, presiding officer, sector officers and security personnel to discharge their statutory duties without any partiality and fear.
“You should not have any complacent attitude and shouldn’t compromise in your assigned responsibility. If any official act in contravention of the legal provisions strict action shall be taken against him/her,” the CEO stated in the release.
Nagaland goes to polls on February 27 along with Meghalaya to elect its 13th Legislative Assembly. Counting of votes will be held on March 3 next.