Local govt polls now a model of irregularities: EC Mahbub

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar has said that the local government elections have become a model of irregularities, vote rigging and EVM vandalism.

He made the remarks in a statement on the occasion of third National Voters' Day.

"Election is the only path towards democracy. If an election is not held in a free, fair, participatory and acceptable manner, the power cannot be transferred in a normal way. This will create social unrest and frustration. The election commission has been given the constitutional duty to make sure the democratic rights are maintained," he said.

The EC added, "A level playing field was also absent during the municipality polls all across the country and this situation must be improved for the upcoming union parishad election."

Currently, the total number of voters stands at 11.17 crore, according to the new list published by the election commission.