Bypolls to two MP assembly seats on February 24

The Election Commission on Friday announced by-elections on Kolaras and Mungaoli assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh to be held on February 24.

The votes will be counted on February 28 and the results will be declared the same day, the EC said. The last date for filing of nominations is February 6, and the names can be withdrawn by February 9.

The EC said that the Model Code of Conduct will come into force "with immediate effect in the district(s) in which the whole or any part of the assembly constituency going for bye-election is included" and it will be applicable "to all candidates, political parties, the state government and Union government".

The poll panel said it will use electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines all the polling stations.

"Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly with the help of these machines," the EC said.

It said the electoral rolls of the two assembly constituencies with reference to January 1, 2018 will be used for bye-election.

The EC said that the voter's identification will be mandatory at the time of the poll. Electoral Photo Identity Cards shall be the main document of identification of a voter.

"However, in order to ensure that no voter is deprived of his or her franchise, if their name figures in the electoral rolls, separate instructions will be issued to allow additional documents for identification of voters at the time of poll in the said bye-elections," the Commission said.

--IANS

mak/him/dg