'Every step has been taken on time as per the schedule prescribed by the Election Commission. We have impressed upon officials to maintain constant vigil to ensure fair, free and incident-free elections,' he told a press conference here at the conclusion of a two-day review of poll preparations in the state by the EC.

Besides holding separate meetings with ten recognised political parties, the EC also discussed with officials various aspects of poll preparedness including law and order, progress in the execution of non-bailable warrants (NBWs), recovery of illegal arms and ammunitions and preparation of a list of anti-social elements.

Stating there was good progress on execution of NBWs, he said 10,065 warrants had been executed so far and only 3,511 were pending as on March 26, 2006.

Mr Tandon said officials had been told to be politically neutral and discharge their duties in an absolutely fair manner. They had been impressed upon to take prompt action in poll-related complaints such as intimidation and bribing voters by distributing freebies like liquor and cash.

As per the final electoral rolls released on March 7 with January 1, 2006, as the qualifying date, there were 4.64 crore voters in the state. As many as 52,255 polling booths would be set up and 65,000 electronic voting machines used.

Coverage of Electors Photo Identity Card has been 69 per cent so far.

Stating the Model Code of Conduct would be enforced strictly to ensure level playing field for all political parties and candidates, Mr Tandon said 284 observers, including 50 Expenditure Observers, would be deputed to oversee and monitor the poll process.

Extensive videography on polling and counting days would be done and digital cameras used in sensitive and super-sensitive booths.

Sealing of borders with Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka would be taken up with those Governments. Adequate para-military forces would also be deployed in the state during elections, he added.

UNI AKN AA PR RS1904