New Delhi: The Election Commission, vide its Notification No. 100/ARUN-LA/01/2017, dated 05.07.2017 had called the Bye-Election to fill the vacant seat of 12-Pakke Kessang (ST) Assembly Constituency of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and as per the schedule today the 12th July, 2017 is the last date for making nominations. The poll, if any, is to be taken on 29th July, 2017.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Arunachal Pradesh vide letters dated 6th and 10th July, 2017 has informed that due to Heavy Rainfall, Landslides at many places and washing away of various formations, the Road Communication has been badly affected. It has also been reported that out of twenty six polling-stations in the Constituency, only nine polling stations are accessible at the moment.
The Chief Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh vide letter dated 11th July, 2017 has also reported that under the current difficult Climatic Conditions, the Conduct of Poll as per the Schedule may not be possible as Movement and Retrieval of Polling Teams are likely to be adversely affected.
The Election Commission has considered the above reports of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Chief Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh and also reviewed all relevant factors viz; prevailing weather conditions, transportation of polling parties and election material, maintenance of polling stations and participation of all stake holders in the said Bye-Election including political parties, aspiring candidates and electors and is convinced that under the prevailing weather conditions, it is not possible to hold the Bye-Election from the said Assembly Constituency as per the Schedule fixed vide notification dated 5th July, 2017.
Therefore, the Election Commission, in exercise of its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, read with Sections 150 and 30 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, has cancelled the said Bye – Election to 12- Pakke – Kessang (ST) Assembly Constituency of the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh by rescinding the said Notification dated 5th July, 2017 and declared all proceedings taken so far in pursuance of the said Notification as null and void.
