The Hindu : EC passes for foreign diplomats to witness polls

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 14, 2002

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EC passes for foreign diplomats to witness polls

By Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI Sept. 13. The Election Commission has issued special passes and authority letters so far to 28 diplomats of various countries on their requests to witness elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Commission's release, the diplomats have also been allowed access to polling and counting centres.

The diplomats are from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S., the U.K. and the European Commission.

In Kashmir region, 16 diplomats will be going for the first phase of the poll in Kupwara and Baramulla districts, 11 diplomats for the second phase, 12 diplomats for the third phase, while two will go for the fourth phase.

In Jammu region, two will go for the first phase in Punch and Rajouri districts, while four will cover the second phase of the poll in the region.

The Commission has also decided to change the hours of polling from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to

4 p.m. for all four phases in the State to ensure enough daylight.

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