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Gill promises computerised poll in Sikkim

The next election to the Sikkim assembly, due in November 1999, would be fully conducted with electronic voting machines, Chief Election Commissioner Dr M S Gill has said.

On an official visit to the tiny Himalayan state, Dr Gill said the Election Commission would impart training on how to use the machines well in advance.

The voters' list would be revised before the poll, he added while speaking to representatives of political parties including the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front and the opposition, the Sikkim Sangram Parishad, Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist.

Asked whether the EC would advance the poll, Dr Gill said he didn't have any objection if Chief Minister Pawan Chamling wanted it so.

Meanwhile, SSP leaders apprised the CEC of the "total failure" of the state administration "in curbing" the ruling SDF supporters who were creating "a fear-psychosis" among the people, and preventing the opposition from holding rallies and public meetings.

CPI-M representatives informed Dr Gill of their difficulty in procuring land for constructing a party office in the state. They sought the CEC's intervention in the matter, requesting him to help them get 'government land'.

Dr Gill is expected to leave for Darjeeling on December 11.

UNI

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