'This poll was the best'

CEC TS Krishna Murthy on Thursday expressed great satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the national election, saying "this was the best" compared to previous ones.

Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishna Murthy on Thursday expressed great satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the national election, saying "this was the best" compared to previous ones.

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"Compared with previous elections, this has been the best. Even the results have been announced in record time," Krishna Murthy told IANS.

He also said his next task following the successful conclusion of the national and assembly elections was to set the electoral rolls in order.

"But for some instances in three or four constituencies and complaints about electoral rolls, I am glad that the world's largest democratic exercise went off well," a relieved Krishna Murthy said.

"Since the last elections, India's population has increased and so have the problems. Yet, the public at large has appreciated the Election Commission for the task well done," he said.

Krishna Murthy said he was looking forward now to having a long and sound sleep.

"I cannot say that I have not been sleeping for the past couple of months, but tonight I intend to have a long, sound sleep."

Krishna Murthy said the commission was aware of the fact that the electoral rolls in many places were not in order and that names of many prominent people were missing from the list.

"That is something we will try to set right as soon as possible. One must understand that the problem is not unique to India," he said.

"We had a meeting today with the election commissioners of Australia and Mauritius. They told us that this was a problem they faced in their countries as well," he said.

"But that does not mean we will not address this issue. It is our top priority."