No withdrawals in South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 30 Mar [IPR]: As informed by the Returning Officer South, Prabhakar Verma, there has been no withdrawal of candidature in the South District. The last date for withdrawal of candidature was 29 March.

There are 25 candidates of various political parties contesting in South Sikkim from SDF, INC, SKM and TMC. It is also informed by the RO that the voter slips will be distributed to the voters on Sunday in South Sikkim in their respective polling stations from 10 am till 4 pm.

Mr. Verma further informs that the voter slip is to be collected by the head of the family or any other family member only and not by any member of a political party or panchayats and that the voter slip can be used by the voters on Poll day as identity proof for casting their votes.

Later on Saturday, a meeting was called by the Returning Officer (South) Mr Verma between all the contesting candidates of South Sikkim, the General Observer Dr R Selvaraj and other District Level Heads in charge of different divisions in the conference hall of District Administrative Centre. The meeting was attended by Election Agents of SDF, SKM and INC Parties.

They were briefed about the latest activities of South District related to the Assembly Elections by the RO. He informed them that this meeting was conducted on the instructions of the Election Commission and then underlined the guidelines issued by ECI to be observed during elections by political parties and candidates. He emphasized on the do’s and don’ts and other procedures of the elections and informed them regarding all the existing codes and regulations relevant to the Candidates, Election Agent as prescribed by ECI and directed them to strictly adhere to the codes and regulations.

All the important materials like Electoral Roll, Polling Station list, list of important contact details of all officers and field teams were handed over to the representatives of the political parties for their information. The house was also open to clear their grievances and doubts in front of the Observer and other respective Officials on election duty. Regarding randomization of EVMs, he informed that it will take place in the first week of April 2014 and all political parties and candidates will be informed well in advance.

The interactive session was attended by ADM South/Assistant Returning Officer Kapil Meena, SP South SG Bhutia, SDPO Namchi Gegee Norbu, Assistant Collector Mr Raghu, SDM Jorethang Tenzing Denzongpa, SDM Hqr Samdup Bhutia, ADC (Dev) Tashi Choppel and Deputy Secretary Election Vishal Mukhia.