Dimapur, April 12 (EMN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (Acaut), Nagaland has claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton entered a polling station with nine voter slips at the 31 Riphyim Old III under 37 Tyui Assembly Constituency on Thursday. It claimed that there is video evidence of the incident.
However, it is not known if Acaut is referring to a video that has been widely circulated on social media or a different one. Ironically, use of mobile phones is not allowed inside the polling booth, and even presiding officers and other staff should keep their mobile phones switched off in the polling station. Officials should use their phones outside the polling booth even if required.
In a statement addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland, Acaut has urged the CEO to take cognisance of the alleged incident and take immediate action against both “Patton and election officials on duty.
“Acaut Nagaland has been writing and voicing out against the multiple enrollment and unethical practices during the elections. The genesis of Corruption lies in the unclean electioneering malpractices leading to a vicious cycle that entangles both the candidate and voters in corruptive practices. The very sanctity of democracy and election ethics are destroyed when election is hijacked by multiple proxy voting, impersonation, one man voting for the whole family, village councils declaring in favour of a candidate and using its muscle power, booth capturing, etc,” read the statement.
It stated young voters have been given the impression that in Nagaland people in power can “violate the law and get away with it.”
“India being the largest democracy is looked upon by rest of the world as an example and inspiration for its vibrant Universal Adult Franchise. Hence, the onus lies on the Election Commission of India to take appropriate action so that it creates a deterrent and to take corrective measures to prevent such blatant violation of election rules in future,” added the statement.
