SHILLONG, June 25 ? Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura will be the first states in the north eastern region where Electoral Photo-Identity Cards (EPIC) have been made mandatory for the Assembly polls due in February next year. Making the announcement here this evening, Election Commissioner of India, BB Tandon told newsmen ?The Election Commission has taken a policy decision to make the EPIC mandatory for the coming polls to the state Assemblies in the three north eastern states along with Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.?
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will also be used in all the 1569 polling stations in Meghalaya, he said adding ?The use of machines will expedite declaration of results.? Asserting that the use of EPIC will prevent electoral malpractices like rigging and impersonation, the Election Commissioner said ?The representatives of nine political parties in the state have supported the move.? About 60.95 per cent of the over 12 lakh voters in Meghalaya have already been issued the EPIC. ?An intensive campaign is now on in the districts to achieve 100 per cent cover?, he revealed.
Fielding questions from the newsmen, he said ?EPIC will also help in the detection of illegal foreigners residing in Meghalaya.? He suggested that Meghalaya should follow the example of other states which have made the EPIC a multi-purpose card. Tandon, is here on a visit to review the preparatory work of the electoral process in Meghalaya where the term of the 60 member House is due to expire on March 8 next year. He held extensive discussions with political parties, senior civil and police officials including the chief secretary and DGP here today. He also held separate meetings with the Deputy Commissioners of all districts and election officials of the state.