Thanjavur: Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha has appealed to political parties, candidates and electorate to maintain the sanctity of election.

“We appeal to political parties and candidates to desist from any inducements in any form to maintain the sanctity of the elections. We also request the voters to take a pledge not to accept anything in any form from anybody to cast their votes,” Sinha said here today after reviewing the poll preparedness for the Thanjavur constituency with revenue and police officials.

“Our voters’ education programme has been emphasizing that they are not voting for themselves but for the future of their children,” he added.

Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements for the November 19 elections for Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Thirupparankundram constituencies, he said, “The arrangements so far are satisfactory. Luckily, Tamil Nadu does not have much law and order problem.”

The Election Commission has made all arrangements to ensure free and fair poll. It has directed the observers to visit the vulnerable points and talk to people and meet representatives of political parties on daily basis to brief them on action taken against complaints and also to receive complaints. “We have asked the district electoral officer to brief the media regularly,” he said.

Sinha said that awareness campaigns have been carried out to ensure cent per cent voting in the byelection.

“The EC has already sent para-military forces and the number of flying squads has been increased. We are maintaining a close watch on the developments and will further tighten the arrangements. This time, every polling station will have web-casting,” Sinha added.

On the complaints of violations of election model code of conduct by political parties, Sinha said, “There are no direct violations so far. Some isolated cases have been reported.”