Hold polls in Sikkim in the first phase, SDF tells EC

Gangtok: “It will be much convenient if the election to the Sikkim Parliamentary constituency and Sikkim Legislative Assembly would be held in the first slot itself as Sikkim goes to both these elections simultaneously”. This was told to Election Commission in its meeting with all political parties in Delhi on Feb3, 2009, by Mr. N. K. Pradhan, Gangtok MLA and General Secretary of ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, informs a press release issued by SDF Publicity Secretary, Mr. T. N. Sharma.
The release further informs that Mr. Pradhan drew attention of EC to the chances of omission of names of many electors consequent upon new delimitation of constituencies and asked “to make sure that none of the genuine electors is left out from the electoral list so that they can exercise their franchise”.

Opposition demand strict implementation of the election code of conduct

Gangtok , Sikkim : The four Opposition parties of the state ~ Congress, BJP, CPI-M and Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad ~ have requested the State Election Commission to foil the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front's alleged bid to rig the upcoming panchayat polls in the state.

The Opposition parties, meanwhile, have appreciated the Election Commission's decision to replace the returning officer of Soreng sub-division in West Sikkim during filing of nomination papers. "We believe that by doing so the EC has proved its credibility. We expect the EC officials to take action on several representations submitted by the Opposition parties and individuals," a letter sent to the EC by the Opposition parties, read.

The Opposition leaders have suggested the EC to strictly implement the election code of conduct. "We have noticed that still many ministers, MLAs, chairpersons and advisors are using government vehicles for electioneering," they said. The Opposition parties have urged the EC to prevent the SDF from defacing buildings, walls and trees in the name of electioneering. They have also criticised the SDF for publicising the recent 40 per cent seat allotment to women in the panchayat polls through banners. The Opposition leaders have urged the EC to remove such banners.

Source: The Statesman