Simultaneous polls across nation not possible unless the constitution is amended:EC

New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner today said that any future possibilities of holding simultaneous polls is next to impossible without a proper framework or unless constitution is amended, PTI reported.

CEC O P Rawat replying to reporters on simultaneous polls, said: “If the term of some state assemblies needs to be curtailed or extended, then a constitutional amendment will be required… Logistics arrangements with regard to 100 percent availability of VVPATs (paper trail machines) will be a constraint.”

“On the issue of ‘one nation one poll’, the Election Commission had given inputs and suggestions in 2015 itself… Other requirements of additional police force, polling personnel would also be needed,” Mr Rawat added.

Mr Rawat’s remarks came just a day after BJP party commented that polls should be conducted simultaneously in all states to ensure that the nation does not remain in election mode throughout the year.

As of now, the EC is committed to fulfill its responsibilities of conducting elections whenever the term of assemblies comes to an end.