The Hindu Business Line : Photo electoral rolls to be introduced

THE Election Commission of India is contemplating to introduce photo electoral rolls in the country. To start with it will be introduced on an experimental basis in selected constituencies in Pondicherry and Kerala where the percentage of voting through photo identity cards is very high.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr T.S. Krishnamurthy, told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Commission also proposes to introduce electronic registration of voters during revision of voters list, which begins from September 15.

Through this system the eligible voters could register their names in the list electronically. The services of post offices will be utilised for this purpose. The application for registration of name in the electoral lists will be available in all the post offices of the country.

He said the Commission has submitted 22 suggestions to the Government on election reforms. These suggestions pertain to political advertisements, ban on people with criminal records to enter election fray, regularisation of exit and opinion polls, disallowing people from contesting in two constituencies etc.

Mr Krishnamurthy further stated that the Election Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations under which it will assist other member countries in holding elections.