Election Commission satisfied with Assam''s poll preparedness

Guwahati, Mar 8 (PTI) The Election Commission today said it is satisfied with the security arrangements in Assam and is optimistic that the state Assembly elections which are scheduled to be held next month will be fair and peaceful. Reviewing the poll preparedness in the state, Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said, "We are very optimistic about free, fair and peaceful polls in Assam. I am very satisfied with the law and order arrangements. It is very good. Our comfort level is very high with their preparedness". The full team of Election Commission which arrived here yesterday held a meeting with the district Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police on the poll preparedness, Quraishi said. The EC also reviewed the law and order situation today with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police here. "We had individual meetings with the political parties which mostly raised the issues about polling stations, security forces and the need of CCTV in sensitive booths," Quraishi said. The parties also expressed their concern about the alleged continuation of freebies by the government in violation of the model code of conduct, need for micro observers, misuse of money power and paid news, the CEC said. Altogether 137 officers who were posted in their home districts against EC rules will have to be transferred, Quraishi said.

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