DIMAPUR — The deputy commissioner (DC) and district election officer (DEO) of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, has informed all the residents of Mokokchung district to avoid fraudulent practices such as submitting false images, fraudulent documents or bogus voter information during the voter registration process, particularly with applications submitted under Form 6.
He stated that such actions are serious violations of electoral law and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Section 31 of the Representation of The People Act, 1950, any person, who knowingly submits false information, documents or makes a fraudulent application for voter registration, would be liable for legal penalties.
The section specified that “If any person makes false claim in connection with the preparation, revision or correction of an electoral roll; or the inclusion or exclusion of any entry in or from an electoral roll, a statement or declaration in writing which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with a fine or with both.”
To uphold the accuracy of the electoral roll, it stated that any application in Form 6 is found to include false images, documents or bogus information would be rejected immediately.
Besides, it stated that individuals involved in submitting or assisting with fraudulent applications would face legal consequences, including up to one year of imprisonment, a fine or both, as per Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
It further stated that offenders would be restricted from future applications for inclusion in the electoral roll.
In this regard, all AERO are instructed to thoroughly verify all forms of applications to ensure compliance with those regulations. It stated that any applications suspected of containing false information should be reported immediately for further action.
All residents and political representatives are urged to ensure that applications for inclusion in the electoral roll are genuine and comply with electoral laws. It cautioned that submission of false information or documents would result in stringent legal action.