Lucknow, Mar 10 (UNI) Election Commission has banned release of prisoners on parole in Uttar Pradesh in view of the seven-phase assembly election starting next month.

According to an EC directive today, prisoners could be freed on parole only after taking approval from the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) with condition that they would not participate in the election process.

The district authorities have been asked to give details of such prisoners on parole to the central poll observer of the respective areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami today visited Agra, where he reviewed the poll prepration for the first phase of election to be held on April 7.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress in the preparation, Mr Gopalaswami told mediapersons that all poll related material had reached their respective districts.

He said photography for Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) would continue till the last moment and hoped that about 95 per cent of the electorate will have the cards till the time of voting. At present, he said, the percentage of EPIC in UP is around 83 per cent.

The CEC said all the political parties have been directed to keep strict vigil on criminals.

Later, the CEC is also slated to visit Kanpur.

UNI