EC observer reviews bypoll preparations

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 28

For the Bhagwanpur Assembly election bypoll on April 11, the Election Commission of India’s general observer IAS Nandadulal Bhakt today took stock of the administrative preparations.

Nandadulal Bhakt also organised a meeting with district election officials, where he laid out the norms and guidelines of the Election Commission.

He urged all political parties and independent candidates to work in accordance with the moral code of conduct and Election Commission guidelines.

Candidates have been urged to ensure press line tag on banners, hoardings, pamphlets, posters and calendars, which are used for election campaign advertisements. Violation of this will be legally dealt with when it comes to the respective candidates and printers too. Religious places will be out of bounds for the election campaign. The use of loudspeaker for the campaign will be allowed only after prior permission is sought and candidates will have to submit on a daily basis the election campaign expenditure from fuel consumption to the number of hired vehicles.

“If any candidate or his supporters are found to be luring voters with bribe, gift, liquor or anything else, it will fall under violation of model code of conduct. Free and fair election is the aim of the Election Commission and punitive action will be taken against the violators,” said Bhakt.

All election sector magistrates have been directed to save phone numbers of village pradhans and Zila Panchayat members so that in case of any violence or violation of election code, they can get in touch with the respective village head or representative too.

Election officials Jeevan Singh Nangiyal, Ravneet Chima, Pratush Singh, Beer Singh Budhiyal, JP Tiwari and assistant returning officer PB Budhlakoti were present during the meeting.