ITANAGAR, Oct 4: In one of the Assembly segments in West Siang District, the extent of expenditure per candidate is estimated to be at least 5 crores i.e. on the conservative side. According to sources, almost every third youth of the segment has been provided with a two-wheeler and a mobile phone besides being paid in cash. The Election Observer of the Assembly segment refused to speak to The Sentinel Arunachal on the subject. However, the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of West Siang, Amjad Tak, told The Sentinel Arunachal that until and unless there is any complaint, the administration cannot do anything about it. Although the Election Commission has capped the expenditure at Rupees Six lakhs per candidate in Arunachal Pradesh, the blatant use of money and muscle power is on display. There seems to be no acknowledgment and implementation of the model code of conduct.
The civil society has been questioning the role of the Election Commission and the Election Observers, who are appointed under section 20B of the Representation of the Peoples Act, in conducting ‘free and fair’ election. One of the youths even went to the extent of stating that “observers have come to Arunachal as revelers at the expense of taxpayers money”.
Therefore, the Election Commission of India should work out a mechanism to create accountability amongst observers in ensuring not only free but also fair elections. THE SENTINEL
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