197/2023-2024

Aizawl the 30th August, 2023 : An Election Commission team led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Rajiv Kumar arrived in the capital city of Aizawl on Tuesday on a 3 day visit to assess preparation for the forthcoming Mizoram State General Election. The Commission team comprises of two Election Commissioners, Shri. Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri. Arun Goel. The Commissioners are also accompanied by Shri Nitesh Vyas, Sr. Dy. Election Commissioner alongwith two Dy. Election Commisioners namely Hirdesh Kumar and Shri. R.K. Gupta as well as 12 other high ranking ECI officials.

During the visit the commission conducted meetings with various stake holders including representatives of political parties, Government Agencies/Department who will be responsible for conduct of free and fair, accessible, participative and inclusive elections slated to be held by the end of this year. Schedule of which is yet to be announced by the Commission.

On the first day of the visit, the commission conducted meetings with representatives of the political parties and sought their opinions. They heard their suggestions and requests relating to elections. After the conclusion of the first meeting, briefing and preparatory meetings with various enforcement agencies was conducted by the Commission. The CEC specifically emphasizing the need for vigil over the Inter state check posts across the neighbouring states, to ensure no cross border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs, freebies takes place. CEC asked the officials to step up the seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration amongst the violators to fulfill the Commission's resolve of an inducement free election in the state. He directed the state Police, CPF, State Excise and Narcotics Department and Narcotics Control Bureau officials to keep strict vigil and help curtail the drug menace. CEC also directed officials to keep a strict watch over social media for any violations and fake narratives vitiating the election atmosphere.

The Commission then conducted meeting with Chief Electoral Officer, State Police Nodal Officer and assessed the level of preparation with respect to the general preparation and analysed the force deployment plan as presented before the commission.

On the second day of the visit, the commission conducted review meeting with District Election Officers and Superintendent of Police off 11 Districts and sought information from DEOs on their preparedness for the Assembly elections. The commision also stressed on the importance of having a clean and error free E-roll and asked the officials to lay emphasis on the on-going 2nd SSR. The commission also conducted meeting with the State Authorities including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to oversee the level of preparation of election which was followed by Press Conference. The CEC during the press conference highlighted on the initiatives taken by the commission for the conduct of free and fair elections and requested the media fraternity to actively contribute in the festival of democracy by creating awareness among the general public on active electoral participation and refrain from fake news and misinformation.

On the final day of the visit, the commission will visit SVEEP exhibition conducted at Assembly House Annex building located at the centre of the city and interacted with the state Icons, PwD voters and young voters.