The election commissioner H.S. Brahma who reviewed the arrangements told the media that the decision to make EPIC mandatory was the upshot of state election authorities achieving 100 per cent EPIC coverage.
Till 2009, EC had allowed alternative identity proof to let people cast vote. These documents included PAN card, driving licence, ration card and even identity card issued by one’s employer.
Asked about the voters who did not receive EPIC or might have lost the card, Mr Brahma said the voter slip’s distributed by officials would also be allowed, as it carries a voter’s photograph. But leaving an element of doubt over its use, Mr Brahma said, “It is better to have EPIC, as some election agents of political parties may raise objection, saying photo in the voter’s slip is not identical to the person. In such a scenario, a voter should produce EPIC.”
But when it was brought to his notice that EPIC and the voter’s slip carry the same photograph, Mr Brahma said both would be allowed.
“(But) it is always better to carry EPIC,” he added.
Asked why the decision on making EPIC mandatory was taken at this juncture, he said a similar decision was taken for the elections in Manipur and Puducherry, as the whole electorate was handed out the photo identity cards.
Mr Brahma urged all voters to get EPIC within the next few days and rectify errors, if any, in the card.