Voters of Mysore district could live in peace and the candidates could save on their poll expenses in the first phase of the election to the State Assembly in the district, observed P. Manivannan, Deputy Commissioner, who is also the District Election Officer.

Speaking to our correspondent about the just concluded poll, conducted with unprecedented adherence to the Election Model Code of Conduct, in an interview yesterday he said: "I have done nothing new for the sake of this poll. There is also nothing new in the regulations. It was all there in the existing laws and I only implemented them."

It was heard in political circles that the voter turn - out would come down because of your strict adherence to the code of conduct. It had also been felt that you alone would be held responsible for it. However, the voting percentage is more this time than in the previous poll. What do you say?
I am not aware of the factors that affect the voting percentage. Although the politicians are reported to have said that voting percentage was less due to strict implementation of the rules, I feel that I only carried out the duties assigned to me by the Government. I will neither be overjoyed if the poll percentage is high nor sulk if it is low. I only feel that I have done my duty.

There is an allegation that you have incurred more expenditure in the process of strictly implementing the regulations than the ceiling on expenditure that has been fixed for the candidates?
It is a fact that democratic system has been sustained by spending excessive funds. Please don't assign money value to the sacred democratic set up. As a result of conducting the election by strictly adhering to the prescribed regulations by using official machinery on this scale and also on fleet of vehicles, the citizens were enabled to take part in the process peacefully. The voters have exercised their franchise by going to the polling booths without any fear. No clashes among rival political activists has taken place. Such an arrangement is necessary in a democracy. Expenses should not be a factor in such matters.

You are being charged that the candidates were not able to familiarise themselves to the electorate because of severe restrictive measures put in place?
That charge is totally baseless. The process of submitting nomination papers began on April 16. Only one candidate filed his nomination papers on the first day. Thus, he could get more time for campaigning. Those who filed their nomination papers on the last date, themselves reduced their campaigning time. We had not prohibited the use of banners and posters. We had only told them to obtain prior permission for their use. Any candidate could use banners, posters and flex boards after obtaining permission. However, the candidates did not follow that system.

People in thousands marched in processions in all areas of the State barring Mysore district. You restricted the number to 120 here? Is that restriction part of the code of conduct? Is the set of regulations confined to only Mysore district?
Please observe that I have not done anything outside the purview of law. Processions should not disrupt life of the public. There is provision in Karnataka Police Act to place restrictions on processions. Traffic Police have a clear idea of the size of processions that can be taken out on Mysore roads without causing hardship to the people. Accordingly, the number of persons in the processions was restricted to 120. I have taken steps, as the Deputy Commissioner, so that the public was not put to hardship.

Has it come to your notice that due to extreme strictness adopted by you, even the innocent people had to face problem?
Yes, I express regret for that. Our officials got the medical shops closed at 10 pm due to misunderstanding. They sent out hotel customers by force while they were having food. They made tourists to alight and took buses into custody. As soon as such actions came to my notice, action was taken to prevent their recurrence by issuing necessary instructions. Searches were carried out in the residences of innocent citizens based on fake calls. I have a suspicion that such calls were made to confuse us. However, I express my regret once again for the inconvenience caused to people.

Defects in the voters list have persisted in all elections. Have you hit upon any steps to prevent it?
The process of revising the electoral rolls should be a permanent feature in the Government instead of doing it only on the occasions of polls. Additional expenditure will be incurred to do that. The Government should not hesitate in spending for that purpose. As a citizen of India, it is my desire that voting percentage should be high. Voluntary organisations have a duty to create awareness about the subject among the people. In addition, the people also should realise that it is their duty to exercise their franchise in the context of electing their representative.

Are you satisfied with the manner in which the election was conducted?
In the discharge of my responsibilities, I have received co-operation from Mysore City Corporation, Mysore Urban Development Authority, Department of Police, the cultured citizens of Mysore, media persons and politicians. I express my gratitude to all of them. Really, I am satisfied with the conduct of the poll. However, I am not totally satisfied. I have the feeling that the task should have been carried out better.

What is the source of inspiration for conducting the polls by strictly adhering to law?
The citizens of Mysore. Also, this was the first time that I conducted a poll. I had not conducted any election earlier. I feel that when the politicians are helped to keep their poll expenses to the minimum, they will turn their attention more to development works. As far as the restrictions on banners and flex boards, the inspiration was the desire to protect the beautiful image of the city. How beautiful is the city! I am at a loss to know how one dares to spoil its beauty by hoisting banners, buntings and flex boards.