JOIN US It also warned that it may postpone elections in constituencies where the malpractice takes place.
An Election Commission release issued in Delhi said: “Tomorrow, what is on offer for you is perhaps the best gift of our country to her citizens. It is this choice to elect your representative and your government.”
The Commission had worked day and night over the last many months to make it possible for all to vote freely and fairly, it said.
“Now it is your duty to exercise your franchise... All of you who are on the electoral roll must come out and press the button of your own future. Please go by your conscience. Vote without fear. Vote without any inducement,” it said.
In Chennai, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar admitted that incidents of money distribution were occurring despite its strong measures.
“The Commission is strictly watching... We are getting reports (of money distribution) from micro-observers and civil society groups. We may consider postponing or countermanding (the polls in those areas) if there are any such incidents,” he said.
Asked whether the Election Commission would consider postponing or countermanding the polls, he said, “Still there is enough time for us. Even after polls we may consider (postponing or cancelling),” he said.
Asked whether the EC had been able to stop the distribution of money, he admitted that though strong measures have been taken, some incidents were still happening.