Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Mokokchung, Shashank Pratap Singh IAS has notified all concerned that Article 326 of the Indian Constitution grants Universal Adult Franchise to every citizen of India who is not less than 18 years of age, registered as a voter, and not otherwise disqualified under the constitution or other relevant statutes. Therefore, each eligible voter is entitled to vote in the constituency as per section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Further, Section 171C, 171D, and 171F of the Indian Penal Code provide that anyone who interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offense of undue influence at an election, and whoever at an election applies for a voting paper or votes in the name of any other person. Whether living or dead, or in a factious name or who have voted once such election applies at the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets, procure or attempts to procure the voting by any person in any such way, commits the offense of impersonation shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

(DPRO Mokokchung)