EC to probe foreigners names in election rolls

EC to probe foreigners names in election rolls
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 31
The Election Commission of India will probe the inclusion of foreigners name in the State’s electoral rolls, Chief Election Commissioner of India Dr S Y Quraishi said here on Tuesday.
Recently some villagers groups had pointed out to the inclusion of foreigners names in the electoral rolls.
Responding to this query while addressing a press conference at the International Centre, Quraishi said he had received some complaints in this regard.
“We are investigating the complaints of foreigners names being included and will take action only after receiving the report,” he said.
Goa is amongst the States that have foreigners being included in the voters’ list.
He said that besides Goa few other States have also pointed out similar instances of foreigners getting enrolled as voters.
“Each and every complaint received by the commission is investigated. We see that each and every person is attended to,” he added.
Further, Quraishi said that the commission cannot control the media players indulging in paid news syndrome.
“Our role comes in picture only when the candidate exceeds the expenditure ceiling. We cannot question the media, our powers extend only to candidates,” Quraishi told reporters.
He said it is for the Press Council of India to give the guidelines for the media.
When pointed out that electronic media is not covered by PCI, Quraishi admitted that there is a lacunae and special body needs to be formed covering all the media.
The CECI said that the paid news issue extends beyond the election period.
He said that paid news and money power is a big concern for the commission, which is being tried to be addressed through proper ways.
He said that a special expenditure monitoring cell has been formed and detailed guidelines are prepared to control the money power.