EC cautions against pol influence in UP polls

The Election Commission (EC) has cautioned against exerting influence in upcoming union parishad (UP) election saying legal action would be taken against anybody found to be influencing the polls, reports UNB. Talking to reporters Election Commissioner Sakhawat Hossain said allegations have been received that election officers in some areas have been harassed and threatened by the supporters of some influential persons. The Commission will take legal actions against them. He further said intending candidates in some areas are barred from submitting nomination papers. "It's a non-party local government election where any eligible person can contest. To bar contesting the poll is a great offence." He noted with dissatisfaction that MPs in some areas are involved in such offensive activities. Polling in those areas may be withheld. Asked whether the Commission is satisfied over the existing law and order situation the Election Commissioner said no big incidents have been reported relating to UP election. He expressed the hope that the UP polls in the second phase would be free, fair and neutral. "We expect the cooperation and support from country's political parties."