NEW DELHI, 14 March 2007 — The electoral process for assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh began yesterday with Gov. T.V. Rajeshwar issuing a notification for the first phase of elections in the state.
The first phase in 62 assembly constituencies will begin April 7. The process of filing nominations began yesterday. The seven-phase elections for the 403-member house will be held April 7, 13, 18, 23 and 28, and May 3 and 8.
The Election Commission has made unprecedented security arrangements for the month-long exercise in view of fears expressed by several political parties that free and fair elections are not possible under the current system.
The commission has directed state authorities to furnish a list of people, who have been provided with security cover, along with details of criminal cases that are pending against them. The poll panel has also barred ministers, MPs and legislators who enjoy security cover from being appointed as polling and counting agents of candidates. These moves are part of efforts to ensure a violence-free election. The commission said that federal paramilitary forces and armed police from other states would be deployed to guard polling stations.
