Two polling officials suspended in Mizoram

Two polling officials who were on duty at the Republic Veng - I polling booth during the election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly on November 25, were suspended for dereliction of duty.

Aizawl: Two polling officials who were on duty at the Republic Veng - I polling booth during the election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly on November 25, were suspended on Friday for dereliction of duty. The suspension orders were issued following intimation from the state election department which was instructed by the Election Commission.

Presiding Officer Lalchhanliana was accused of being drunk while on duty, while polling officer Vicky Lalnunthara was accused of telling voters who to vote for. There was difference of 16 votes polled in the electronic voting machine (EVM) and the presiding officer`s notes in the November 25 polls following which the Election Commission ordered repoll in the polling booth which was conducted on November 28 in which 78.71 percent turnout was recorded. State Joint Chief Electoral Officer H Lalengmawia said that the election department would conduct an inquiry and further action would be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry.