ECI reviews poll preparedness in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The Election Commission of India on Friday reviewed the poll preparedness for the Rajasthan assembly elections due later this year and asked officials to take all requisite steps to ensure a free and fair election.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena took stock of the state's poll preparedness in a meeting with all the divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, state election commission's officials and the superintendents of police. 

While specifically directing officials to be at guard against possible use of cash and liquor during and in the run-up to the poll process, Dy EC asked them to firm up various components of the election management, including the security plan, SWEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) plan and the vulnerability management plan. 

Saxena also asked them to spread the awareness among people that the EVMs and VVPAT machines are fool-proof and safe. 

State Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat said "a kind of eco system" has been development in the state to ensure free and fair elections as per the mandate of the Election Commission of India.