The Election Commission of India today introduced more stringent rules for re-polling. The Commission today made it clear that any sign of intimidation or infringement to voters in exercising their franchises, would be construed as a legitimate ground to call for re-polling.
According to ECI sources, the Commission had taken the decision to declare re-polling in urgent situations. Re-polling in previous elections was ordered in exceptional cases. Earlier, re-polling was ordered on the basis of report filed by the presiding officers in exceptional cases in connection with intimidation, booth jamming, and proxy votes but this time, the Commission in order to make the elections free and fair and bereft of any foul play and intimidation, had decided to press the re-poll button suo-motu as soon as any such incident comes to its notice.
Sources at the CEO office claimed, Section 58 (A) of the Representation of People’ Act 1953 conferred the Commission the absolute power to call for re-polling in cases of booth capturing, proxy voting or intimidation of voters. Hence, the election to that polling station would be declared null and void and fresh election would be ordered.