“Elections is the sole remit of the Election Commission of India”
Srinagar, July 28: The Election Commission of India(ECI) on Tuesday took strong exception to the media reports quoting Jammu Kashmir Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu that elections in the Union Territory can be held after the ongoing delimitation process.
In a sharply-worded statement issued to the media, the ECI said, “It would be proper for authorities other than Election Commission to refrain from making such statements which virtually tantamount to interfering with the Constitutional mandate of the Election Commission.”
The commission noted that LG had been making statements about the timing of the election since December 2019 to different media outlets.
The Election Commission added that it takes exception to such statements and would like to state that in the Constitutional scheme of things, the timings etc. of elections is the sole remit of the Election Commission of India.
“Before deciding the timing, the Commission takes into consideration all the relevant factors including topography, weather, sensitivities arising out of regional and local festivities in the area(s), where the election is to take place. For example, in the current times, Covid 19 has introduced a new dynamic, which has to be and shall be taken into consideration at the due time,” the poll-body said.
The poll-body further said the outcome of Delimitation is also germane to the decision. “Similarly, availability of central forces and railway coaches, etc. for the transportation of CPFs are important factors. All this is done after meticulous homework by the senior officials of the Commission and a detailed assessment in due consultation with concerned authorities,” it said.
“The Commission itself schedules a visit to the concerned State wherever required and holds extensive consultations with all the stakeholders.”
