Election Commission is talking to stakeholders in Punjab to prevent use of drugs to lure voters.
With assembly elections slated to be held in Punjab next year, the Election Commission will set up a special task force to tackle the misuse of drugs and liquor to lure voters.
"The Commission has taken strong note of the drugs menace in Punjab and has already begun the groundwork," said Chief Election Commissioner Dr Naseem Zaidi today. The commission has already decided to launch a mobile phone application which the public can use to inform authorities about any malpractice, once the electoral process kicks off.
The five-member Commission has held consultations with all stakeholders, including political parties, to take all necessary steps to curb use of drugs, money and liquor to lure voters.
A mapping of police stations is being carried out to identify sensitive areas and officials who are under the influence of local politicians, Mr Zaidi said.
The Commission, he said, was also looking into the aspect of deploying central forces at sensitive polling booths.