The Election Commission has reviewed the preparedness of the States and Union Territories for the smooth conduct of forthcoming General Elections. The Commission yesterday held a meeting with Chief Secretaries, DGPs, Chief Electoral Officers and other officials in New Delhi in this regard.

It reviewed the status of compliance to its recent instructions regarding transfers and postings, filling up of election related critical vacancies and budget provision for elections. It also took feedback about the law and order situation and State-specific areas of concerns.

In the meeting, the Commission emphasized the need for Inter-State coordination to ensure free and fair elections across the country. It also asked the officials to carry out Vulnerability Mapping exercise to identify vulnerable areas and take advance precautionary measures.

The Election Commission has also issued guidelines on manifestos to political parties, asking them not to make such promises that disturbed the level-playing field and vitiated the atmosphere or exerted undue influence on voters.

While issuing the guidelines yesterday after incorporating the views of political parties during their meeting with them on February 7, the poll body included them as part of the Model Code of Conduct.

The guidelines say political parties or candidates should, in the interest of transparency, while making promises explain the rationale for the promises made and broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial equirements for it.

The Commission said that trust of voters should be sought only on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled. It said, the manifesto shall not contain anything repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the constitution. It said the manifesto must be consistent with the letter
and spirit of other provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.