State election authorities have decided to file an FIR in connection with the violation of poll secrecy by a leader of a pressure group.
It may be mentioned that Hynñiewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) president Lamphrang Kharbani allegedly took a photo of the electronic voting machine (EVM) inside the voting compartment.
Kharbani later posted the photo at the WhatsApp group ‘Jaitbynriew Ngin Kyrsiew’ where he stated that he voted for the ‘Book’ which is the election symbol of NPP.
Speaking to media persons here today, Chief Electoral Officer B D R Tiwari said that the election authorities have taken cognizance of the matter and an FIR is being filed.
“The matter has come to our knowledge. The Returning Officer has taken cognizance and an FIR is being filed. Appropriate action as per law will be taken as per Election Commission instructions,” Tiwari said.
When asked if such a vote will be taken as invalid, Tiwari said that it would be difficult to say at the moment since the authorities will examine the matter and accordingly action will be taken.
Another voter posted a picture of the EVM taken inside the voting compartment.
The facebook user by the name, Kiyomi Sangma posted the picture in a facebook page, ‘All khasi free fire,,kynthei & shynrang’ captioned ‘Vote for NPP’.
