THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Election Commission will formally request the State Government to make photo-ID cards mandatory for voters in the local bodies’ elections. The move is on the basis of a consensus evolved at an all-party meet convened by the SEC here on Monday.Representatives of political parties also agreed to the use of electronic voting machines in as many booths as possible. Earlier, the electorate could cast their votes even using ration cards, bank passbooks, driving licence etc. besides the ID-card issued by the Election Commission. Kerala has a three-tier structure for the local bodies with around 22,000 seats. The SEC plans to urge the State Government to amend the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and Kerala Municipalities Act to facilitate the voter photo-ID cards. It has also been decided to make changes in the model code of conduct for polls, since a legal backup is lacking and violators escaped the dragnet. A mechanism for initiating legal action, as in the case of Assembly and Parliament elections, is being planned. The SEC’s recommendations will now be forwarded to the State Government. It will be presented for ratification by the Assembly and an amendment to the existing act will be made.
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