Shillong, March 1: Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor has asked the Ri Bhoi district election officer to probe into violation of secrecy of voting in a polling station under Mawhati constituency as a video of a voter pressing the EVM button went viral.
The letter of the CEO on Wednesday said the official has to submit the action taken report before March 3.
Full letter below
Shri. F. R. Kharkongor, IAS
Chief Electoral Officer,
Meghalaya, Shillong.
To
The District Election Officer,
Nongpoh.
Subject: Viral Image indicating violation of secrecy of voting.
Sir,
1.With reference to the subject cited above, it has come to the notice of the undersigned, that apparently, there is a viral image circulating in the social media, with a photograph allegedly depicting a voter pressing the ballot button, in favour of a particular candidate in the ballot unit, which tantamounts to violation of secrecy of voting, despite strict instructions issued to ensure that that voters at polling stations should not be allowed to carry mobile phones, inside the voting compartment.
2. It appears that by and large the above instructions have been duly complied with by the voters across the state, which also demonstrates healthy citizenship values by the citizens and also necessary compliance by the polling officials in their concerned polling stations.
3. In connection with the apparent violation above, which appears to be an aberration, and in your capacity as District Election Officer, Ri-Bhoi District, where the above aberration appeared to have been committed, you are hereby directed to cause immediate inquiry, with a view to ascertain the facts of the above alleged violation, which reportedly occurred in 35-Shiliang Umdoh Polling Station under 8-Mawhati Assembly Constituency.
Post inquiry, strict action is to be taken, against the erring polling officials of the concerned polling station falling under 8-Mawhati AC as alleged. Penal action should also be initiated against the alleged voter who violated his secrecy of vote after ascertaining the necessary facts of the above case.
Action taken report is to be furnished to the office of the undersigned without fail notl ater than 3rd March, 2023.
Yours Faithfully,
Chief Electoral Officer,
Meghalaya
