EC takes steps to ensure fair polling in remaining phases

Amid allegations of largescale rigging and booth capturing in various states, the Election Commission has taken steps like deploying poll tracking teams and activating quick response system to ensure free and fair balloting in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls.
Presiding officers have been asked to use their powers under electoral laws to use central foces deployed in polling stations to prevent any "untoward" incident.
Besides the sector magistrate, who is in charge of 10 polling stations, the EC has also decided to deploy static magistrates in sensitive booths polling stations to respond immediately to complaints.
The EC said the decision to enhance security measures was taken in the wake of large scale complaints and suggestions made by political parties.

"We learn by experience. We take criticism sportingly... it is an ongoing exercise," Deputy EC Vinod Zutshi told reporters here while briefing on the poll arrangements.
While 64 constituencies in seven states will go to polls tomorrow, another 41 seats in three states will go to polls on May 12, the last of the nine-phased electoral exercise.
Zutshi said the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have now been asked to keep an eye on happenings in polling stations and report any untoward incident to the observers or sector magistrates.