As many as 102 assembly constituencies are scheduled to go to polls on April 19

New Delhi:

The Election Commission on Friday directed observers deployed for the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls to ensure timely curbing of fake news and misinformation and proactive communication of facts to voters to steer a “positive narrative”.

In a meeting, the poll watchdog also told its 127 generals, 67 police officers and 167 expenditure observers to ensure round-the-clock efforts to stem the flow and distribution of cash, liquor, freebies and narcotics in polling constituencies.

As many as 102 assembly constituencies in 21 states are scheduled to go to polls on April 19.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Ganesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu also stressed the need to ensure that polling stations provide all facilities to voters, especially in the face of hot weather.

During the meeting, the observers were asked to ensure that the forces are utilized optimally and law and order is strictly monitored.

The committee reminded them that they must remain in the parliamentary constituencies assigned to them throughout the electoral process.

Central observers have been directed to check whether the district administration has conducted “vulnerability mapping” fairly and prepared transport and communication plans accordingly.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)