New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- The International Olympic Committee on Friday expressed "disappointment" over the reported "issues and disputes" surrounding the conduct of the Indian Olympic Association elections. The IOC asked the electoral officer to ensure the process is conducted in compliance with the Olympic Charter in a "free and fair manner and without any external interference". "The IOC is very disappointed to note that, once again, issues and disputes seem to have resurfaced in the conduct of the IOA election process and in the implementation of the rules governing the IOA elections, despite all the efforts made over the past few years to establish a strong governance framework for the IOA in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the Basic Principles of Good Governance," an IOC spokesperson told HT. Calling it an "extremely regrettable situation once again," the IOC said it is negatively affecting the operations and reputation of the Olympic Movement in India. The IOC has urged the IOA and electoral officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava to ensure that the December 5 elections are conducted in "full compliance with the Olympic Charter, the IOA Constitution, and all applicable rules, in a free and fair manner and without any external interference." IOC's strong remarks come just days before the IOA is set to make a presentation to the IOC related to the 2036 Olympics bidding on November 26. In the last few years, the IOC has on several occasions asked the IOA to sort out their internal differences. The elections for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) that IOA president PT Usha lost are under the scanner. Usha has reportedly asked the IOC to look into irregularities in the election process. Usha has now been nominated by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) but objections related to her representation have been raised. It remains to be seen whether Usha's name appears in the final electoral college on Sunday, after which she can contest for the president's post. As per article 3.7 of the IOA Constitution, the eight SOMs are to be selected by the Athletes Commission and then ratified by the IOA General Assembly....