Punjab poll panel orders videography of Zila Parishad nominations amid opposition complaints

The State Election Commission has instructed all Deputy Commissioners–cum–District Electoral Officers in Punjab to videograph the entire nomination process for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls.

The DCs have also been instructed to store the recorded data in their custody.

The instructions come in the wake of complaints received by the Commission from Opposition parties, alleging that their candidates were either being physically prevented from filing nomination papers or that officers responsible for issuing NOCs or receiving nominations were wilfully absent from office.

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Instructions have also been issued to ensure foolproof security to deal with any untoward law and order situation.

“Serious action will be taken by the Commission in case of any dereliction of duty,” State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari had warned the DCs.

The last date for filing nomination papers is Thursday for the elections to 22 Zila Parishads and 153 Panchayat Samiti elections, scheduled for December 14. Till Wednesday, 285 nominations for Zila Parishad and 1,713 for Panchayat Samitis had been filed.

Instructions have also been reiterated to DCs to ensure that all returning officers and assistant returning officers, as well as officers concerned with issuing NOCs, remain present in office during working hours.