By Joymala Bagchi

New Delhi [India], December 19 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sent an advisory to chief secretaries (CSs) and chief electoral officers (CEOs) of five poll-bound states on transfer/posting of officers connected with the conduct of elections.

The states include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.

The advisory dated December 18 reads, "to ensure free and fair election, the Commission has been following a consistent policy to the effect that officers directly connected with conduct of elections in an election going State/UT are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for a considerably long period."

The Commission in its advisory has asked for "strict and timely compliance" and also sought acknowledgment from the officials.

The tenure of these five poll-bound states will expire either in May or June 2021. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)