SHILLONG:
As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Meghalaya State Election Department has banned carrying mobile phones inside polling stations to ensure strict compliance on the day of polling.
“No person is allowed to either carry or use mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless sets etc in 100 metre perimeters of the polling stations described as a ‘polling station neighbourhood’ and within the polling booth (Especially by voters), a notification from Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), FR Kharkongor read.
The notification also stated that only Observer/Micro Observer, Presiding Officer and Security Personnel will be allowed to carry mobile phones but they have to keep their devices in silent mode.
Stating that the instructions are to be strictly enforced and complied with, the CEO said that the directions have been issued in view of apprehension that voters may misuse their mobile phones inside the voting compartment while casting their votes.