Prior Approval for Election Advertisements By Candidates & Their Supporters is Mandatory: Sidhu

By 121 News Reporter

Mohali 14^th March:-- In view of the Lok Sabha elections prior approval of promotional election advertisements, posters and placards which are to be published in newspaper & broadcasted on T.V. n Radio, is mandatory. The prior approval for the same will be given by Media Certification & Monitoring Committee, which is also keeping a close eye on the paid news being published in newspapers. In case, any paid news if published without prior approval than the all expenditure for that news will be booked in poll expenses of the responsible candidate with a warning notice & also further action will be taken as per Election Commission guidelines. This was stated by District Electoral Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu. Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu said that election commission is very much concerned towards this matter and negligence towards modal code of conduct will not be acceptable.

District Electoral Officer said that any political party or his candidate have to take prior approval from the Assistant Returning Officer of that constituency before conducting any political rally, seminar, meeting in public and use of loudspeaker for political motive is prohibited if approval for the same is not obtained from the SDM. He said that as per Section 144, conducting rallies, public meetings and gatherings are prohibited; therefore violating the Section 144 is an offence. Sh. Sidhu said that instructions regarding printing & publishing of election promotional materials, have been circulated to printing press owners in the district wherein it is Cleary mentioned that each and every promotional material like pamphlet, posters etc should contain name and address of the printer and publisher. In case, any person requests for printing of any material relating to party’s candidate, than prior approval of the candidate concerned is must before printing and it is the responsibility of the printer and publisher to take copy of identity proof of the person who requests for printing of the promotional material. He said that after getting the documents printed, the copy of document along with copy of announcement should be forwarded to District Magistrate within stipulated time. District Electoral officer said that a meeting has been conducted with all party members & candidates and they all have been directed to ensure the compliance of modal code of conduct. He said that fair and transparent elections will be conducted and support from public & parties is required for the same. He said that surveillance teams are also keeping a close watch on parties and their candidates. Nobody will be allowed to exercise any malpractice during the elections. He also appealed to the public to cast their votes intelligently on 30 April without any fear. If anybody notices manipulation by anyone than the same should be reported to Assistant Returning Officer or the complaint should be made to the nearest Police Station. He added that complaint regarding any malpractice could also be lodged 24 hrs at toll free number 1800-180-2099. Besides above complaint could also be made at phone number of Shikayat Nivaran Cell i.e. 0172-2225220. He said that the complaint generated through these numbers will be addressed on immediate basis.