Thaindian News

Kolkata, Jan 9 (IANS) Suggesting a ban on opinion polls once the model code of conduct comes into effect, Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi Sunday opposed state funding of elections, saying the money might be misused.Speaking at the Second Regional Consultation on Electoral Reforms, organised by the union law ministry here, Quraishi also sought powers for the Election Commission to deregister fake political parties.

“I suggest that once the model code of conduct comes into effect, opinion polls should be banned,” he told the seminar.

“The commission is empowered to register political parties. It should also be empowered to deregister fake parties. This is urgent,” he said.

He said only 150 political parties were active in the country, while more than 1,200 political outfits have registration.

On state funding of elections, Quraishi said: “If this is done, there is a possibility of the money being misused as political parties will get more money”.

In a practice introduced in the recent Bihar elections, the Election Commission would give voters’ slips to the electors during the coming West Bengal Assembly polls.

“This has to be done as political parties often offer gifts and try at times to bribe voters while distributing voter slips only 48 hours before the polls. We have to put a stop to this,” he said.