Deputy Commissioner and District Election officer, Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji has informed to all residents of Mokokchung District that in order to prevent fraudulent practices during the voter registration process, particularly with applications submitted under Form 6, are warned against submitting false images, fraudulent documents or bogus voter information. Such actions are serious violations of electoral law and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Section 31 of the Representation of The People Act, 1950, any person who knowingly submits false information, documents or makes a fraudulent application for voter registration is liable for legal penalties.
The section specifies:
“If any person makes false claim in connection with the preparation, revision, or correction of an electoral roll; or the inclusion or exclusion of any entry in or from an electoral roll, a statement or declaration in writing which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with a fine or with both.”
To uphold the accuracy of the Electoral Roll, the following actions will be enforced:
Immediate rejection: Any Form 6 application found to include false images, documents or bogus information will be rejected immediately.
Legal Action: Individuals involved in submitting or assisting with fraudulent applications will face legal consequences, including up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both, as per Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Restriction on Future Applications: Offenders may be restricted from future applications for inclusion in the electoral roll. Further all AEROs are instructed to thoroughly verify all Forms of applications to ensure compliance with these regulations. Any applications suspected of containing false information should be reported immediately for further action.
All residents and political representatives are urged to ensure that applications for inclusion in the electoral roll are genuine and comply with electoral laws. Submission of false information or documents will result in stringent legal action.
(DPRO, Mokokchung)