Lok Sabha elections 2019: Election Commission appoints ‘runners’ in MP areas with no mobile, internet connectivity

The Election Commission has appointed 400 police and state armed forces personnel in Madhya Pradesh to act as “runners” in areas with no mobile and internet connectivity.

These runners will collect data on voting percentages and inform the chief election officer (CEO) and district election officer (DEO) of any technical glitches in the electronic voting machines or any untoward incidents in these areas.

The runners, who have been given special training to perform the job, will also be provided a vehicle and a mobile phone, to ensure they are able to make quick contact with senior officials.

“These runners will remain on their toes on the voting day and for that special training has been given in their respective districts. As the temperature will remain high during this period, we are also keeping their fitness in mind,” said Sandeep Yadav, deputy chief electoral officer.

These runners will be deployed in Khandwa, Balaghat, Mandla, Singrauli, Chhatarpur, Panna and Sheopur districts, where polling booths fall in so-called shadow areas where mobile and internet connectivity is poor.

“I was appointed a runner during assembly election. It was a challenging job because not only officials but political parties too keep strict vigil on our movement. We are not supposed to stop our vehicle anywhere. We are allowed to take only official calls,” said a police personnel.

“Some of my colleagues had to take 10-12 rounds from the polling station to sector officers,” he said.

The CEO’s office has invited telecom companies to install their mobile phone towers in these shadow areas to ensure connectivity.

“A private telecom company showed interest in ensuring mobile connectivity in these shadow areas. We have initiated the process. The matter is pending with ECI” {Election Commission of India}, said VL Kantha Rao, CEO.

All you need to know about Madhya Pradesh ahead of polls 2019