Dimapur: In a robust effort to ensure the integrity of the ongoing voter registration process, Mokokchung’s Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Thsuvisie Phoji, has issued a stern advisory urging residents to avoid fraudulent practices and maintain transparency.
This advisory, directed particularly at applicants using Form 6 for new voter registrations, outlines strict legal consequences for those submitting false information or documents.
Under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, individuals who knowingly provide false information during voter registration could face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. This section specifies penalties for false claims made during electoral roll preparations, revisions, or corrections, with Phoji emphasizing that these are criminal acts under Indian law.
Key measures announced by the District Office include immediate rejection of fraudulent applications. Any Form 6 submission containing falsified images, documents, or misleading information will be rejected outright. Additionally, those found guilty of submitting fraudulent applications, or assisting in such actions, will face prosecution under Section 31. Penalties include imprisonment for up to a year or a fine. Offenders may also face restrictions on future voter registration attempts, impacting their ability to participate in upcoming elections.
Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) across Mokokchung have been instructed to intensify verification processes and report any suspected cases of fraud. This rigorous scrutiny aims to uphold the authenticity of voter registrations and prevent any compromise to the electoral process.
The district administration has called on all residents, political representatives, and community leaders to ensure full compliance with electoral laws. Phoji highlighted that any attempt to distort the voter registration process threatens democratic integrity, and that such actions will be met with zero tolerance.
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