Foreign Diplomats to Observe Poll in Kashmir

New Delhi, Sept. 14 2002 (INS News) -- The Election Commission has issued special passes to 28 diplomats to witness the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. They will be allowed inside polling and counting centres.

This is expected to convince global observers that the polls are indeed free and fair. The diplomats are from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxemberg, Netherland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom and European Commission.

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

Explaining the Election Commission's decision, Deputy Election Commissioner A.N. Jha said, diplomats from the European Union, US, UK, and several European countries have been issued the passes. Jha also said the commission would consider issuing more passes if there were requests.

India has rejected the demand for international observers but said representatives from various embassies in the country were free to see the entire election process.

The Commission has also decided to change the hours of poll from 8.00 AM - 5.00 PM to 7.00 AM - 4.00 PM for all four phases of poll in the State to ensure enough daylight.

-- Sam Asharaf - South Asia Correspondent in Trivandrum, India
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