Tuesday, March 7 2006 16:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: The Election Commission would ensure strict observance of the Model Code of Conduct for peaceful, free and fair polls in Assam, Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon said here today(Mar 7,2006).

"The E C has zero level of tolerance on the violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The Chief Secretary has been asked to personally monitor the situation," Tandon told reporters during his two-day visit here on the coming assembly elections in the state.

"I have also impressed upon the civil and police officials to ensure total observance of the Model Code of Conduct which came into effect when the election schedule was announced on March one," he said.

The full Election Commission comprising the two Election Commissioners, N Gopalaswami and Navin Chawla, led by Tandon yesterday reviewed the poll preparations in the state and met representatives of both national and state recognized political parties who made oral and written submissions.

The E C said that each point made by them would be fully considered after verification, especially on the allegations about violation of the conduct code.

Elections to the 126-member assembly in the state would be held in two phases. While 65 constituencies would go to polls on April three, balloting would take place for another 61 seats in the second phase on April 10.

Notification for the first phase would be issued on March 10.