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NGO to act as `independent observer' in polls

By Our Staff Correspondent

DEHRA DUN, MARCH 6. The Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), a Dehra Dun-based NGO which acted as an `independent observer' during the State Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002 has volunteered to perform a similar exercise in Uttaranchal in the run-up for the next Lok Sabha elections. The State's Chief Electoral Officer, N Ravi Shankar, has directed all District Magistrates to extend all cooperation to the volunteers. "The RLEK is known for credibility and it is an honour to have them as independent observers", Mr Shankar said. Initially the volunteers will assist the district administrations in the Voter Education Programme beginning with Electoral Roll updating/correction campaign. "Our aim is to see that the election process goes on without any pressure on the voters, it is free and fair and above all fearless", said the RLEK chairperson, Avdhash Kaushal.

Another aim is to put pressure on the election machinery to be fair. "They should know that someone is watching and irregularities if any would get exposed. Similarly, good work will get due appreciation in our report which will be made public before the counting of votes begins," Mr Kaushal said.

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