Assembly elections in April or May: Commission

Thiruvananthapuram: Assembly elections in Kerala will be held in April or May after taking into consideration issues like festivals, examinations and weather, Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Nasim Zaidi said here on Thursday.

Talking to the media after discussions with political parties and officials, the Commissioner said that the election process would be completed by May 30.

The pruning of the voters list would begin on February 15. As per the recently published voters list, there were 2.56 crore voters in the State.

Applications for inclusion in the list would be accepted up to ten days before the last date for filing of nominations. Mass enrollments would not be permitted. Strong steps would be taken to check paid news and providing of incentives to voters by candidates.

He said that electronic voting machines to be used in 500 booths in 17 constituencies would have capability to show to whom the votes are cast. Webcasting and CCTV cameras would be used in sensitive booths in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts.

He said that the expenses limit of Rs. 28 lakh for candidates could not be increased as the amount was last revised two years ago.

The government told the Commission during review of poll preparedness that early May would be the suitable time to hold the elections.

The Commission also consulted the political parties on the appropriate dates.  While Congress maintained that the polling date should be late in April or May, the CPI (M) wanted it to be in April.  The BJP demanded that bogus voters in the voters list should be removed.