Election Commission worried about illegal money power

June 26th, 2009 MUMBAI - Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla on Friday said that the Election Commission of India has demanded a power from the Centre which should authorise it to de-register the political parties not contesting elections. "We have power to register the party but don't have the power to de-register.

May 16th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The new election commission website, which was specially created to upload the election results, developed snags Saturday morning, with officials saying that they were 'trying to sort it out'. 'Since early Saturday a lot of people have been checking the new election commission website for the results because of which there has been a congestion.

April 21st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Taking charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of the country, Navin Chawla Tuesday asserted that the poll panel worked as a team and took all decisions in consensus. 'We are here before you not as one individual but all three of us together.

April 16th, 2009 NEW DELHI - As polling for the first phase of the 15th Lok Sabha elections began Thursday, an election commissioner said that the poll panel has not been able to contain money power in the election process, though the noose has been tightened on criminal elements, relatively speaking. Election Commissioner S.Y.

April 14th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Election Commission Tuesday sought an explanation from Communications and IT Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for distributing letters highlighting the achievements of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. The Election Commission has asked him to file a written reply by Wednesday.

April 4th, 2009 LUCKNOW - The Election Commission has directed the Uttar Pradesh Government to launch a special drive against illegal arms and ammunition. "It has been brought to the notice of the EC that some persons have displayed arms during a procession in support of a candidate at Sultanpur last month.

April 4th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Election Commission on Saturday issued a notice to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Singh has been accused of distributing money in Gajaria village of Barmer constituency in Rajasthan.

April 2nd, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Election Commission Thursday said it has received the CD showing senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh distributing money allegedly at a poll meeting in a Rajasthan village. 'Along with the report, the Election Commission has received the CD.

April 2nd, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) underplayed the reports of distribution of money by its party leader Jaswant Singh at an election campaign whereas the Congress party sought action by the Election Commission. However, the party contended that it would take a decision in case the Election Commission takes cognisance of this particular issue.

April 1st, 2009 JAIPUR - The administration of Rajasthan's Barmer district has sent a preliminary report to the Election Commission on the distribution of money by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh, officials said Wednesday. 'We have sent a preliminary factual report to the Election Commission and will act as per the instructions of the commission,' Ravi Jain, district collector of Barmer, told IANS.

April 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI/JAIPUR - The Election Commission Wednesday said it will verify the contents of a CD showing Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaswant Singh distributing money at a poll meeting in a Rajasthan village. The administration of Rajasthan's Barmer district, where the BJP leader was videographed giving money to a woman, has sent its preliminary report to the poll panel, said district collector of Barmer.

April 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Congress Wednesday urged the Election Commission to probe the cash-for-votes allegation against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh, who was shown in a video footage distributing money during an election meeting in a Rajasthan village. 'It is a fit case for the Election Commission to look into, whether an attempt was made to influence voters,' Congress spokesperson Ashwini Kumar said.

March 28th, 2009 GUWAHATI - Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday said he had not received any notice from the Election Commission (EC) for his reported statement concerning mobilisation of resources from the industry. "The EC has not given me any notice till now.

March 13th, 2009 NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW - As the Election Commission slapped a notice on Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav for violating the Model Code of Conduct, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also rapped Mulayam. The Congress, however, has played soft with its key ally.

January 28th, 2009 KABUL - The Afghan presidential election has been postponed till Aug 20, the country's Independent Election Commission said here Thursday. Azizullah Loden, the commission's chief, told reporters that although the election should be held in April 2009 by the constitution, the decision was made primarily because of security concerns.