DELHI, July 6: The Janata Dal split will not effect on the ongoing Presidential poll process, says Election Commissioner G V G Krishnamurty.The electoral college that votes on July 14 to elect the next President is irrespective of the parties that the individual voter belong, Krishnamurty clarified, speaking to The Indian Express.

``They vote as independent electors and not as members of political parties as provided by the Constitution of India and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election Act,'' he said.

The EC member however, declined to comment on what action the Commission would take with regard to the claims of the Janata Dal factions on the party's symbol.

``So far the EC has not received any communication from any group in the JD,'' Krishnamurty revealed. He added that as and when the EC is approached, the claims and counterclaims would be examined under the procedure settled by the Symbols Act (1968), and the decision will be taken.The Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders, soon after the formation of the party on Saturday, said that they would approach the EC for staking their claim to the JD party symbol and green coloured flag.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.