Election Department Issues Guidelines To The All Political Parties

By 121 News Reporter

Chandigarh 25^th March:-- A meeting of all Political Parties was held at UT State Guest House, Chandigarh by Mohammed Shayin, DM-cum-Returning Officer in the presence of Observer Election Commission of India Dr Vishwas Mehta and Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration Anil Kumar. Various guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India regarding conduct of forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections-2014 were explained in detail by the Returning Officer.   These included the implementation of Model Code of Conduct.  

 

The Returning Officer emphasized that any violation of Model Code of Conduct will not be tolerated at any cost. He also urged the parties to take prior approval for all the events, wherever necessary. A single window system has been put in place in the office of the Returning Officer, Ist Floor, Estate Office Building, Sector 17, Chandigarh for giving permissions of rallies, loudspeaker etc. The vehicle permits obtained from the RO’s office are to be displayed on front screen of the vehicles, which will include Motorbikes, Scooters, Mopeds, Cycle, Rickshaw, etc. The permissions for rallies would be given on first-cum-first serve basis. While some of the candidate raised the issue of permission of vehicles and wanted a lenient view be taken on putting stickers/flexes/banners on their vehicles, the Returning Officer very clearly stated that  any specific vehicle operating on road without displaying the permission from the Returning Officer will be legally proceeded against  .While there is no restriction on number of vehicles which can take part in the Election campaigning, it was informed  that at no point of time more than three vehicles can move together in a cavalcade.   The guidelines relating to the Day of Poll were explained to members of the Political Parties in detail. It was also informed that any expenditure incurred on canvassing should be booked in the accounts of the candidate and the candidates shall    make all payments   through cheque,  if these are above Rs 20,000/- . The members of the Political Parties were further informed that  for  guidance,  the rates for the various items i.e. tentage, vehicles, furniture, etc. to be used in electioneering, the account of which is to be maintained on day to day basis, have been put on website i.e. www. ceochandigarh.nic.in. Any complaints regarding violation of  Model Code of Conduct,  can be intimated at  Complaint Centre (Telephone No. 0172-2701950 ) which will function round the clock.