TN assembly polls: Ex-official urges ECI to allow candidates postal voting, flags polling-day constraints

CHENNAI: A former state information commissioner urged the Election Commission of India to extend postal ballot facility to contesting candidates, saying they are now unable to exercise their franchise due to election-related duties."Election candidates are required to remain continuously in their respective constituencies for monitoring polling activities on the day of election," S Muthuraj said in his representation, adding that they also have a "statutory and practical responsibility to oversee polling booths and election proceedings".He noted that while postal ballots are available to govt officials, armed forces personnel and election duty staff, candidates facing similar constraints are excluded. "Such candidates are compelled to travel long distances to cast their vote… which is practically difficult and, in many cases, impossible on polling day," he said. He called for necessary amendments to election rules.