Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 22
Nagaland’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has convened a meeting with representative of all political parties in the state on January 23 at the Conference Hall of Kohima Deputy Commissioner at 11:00 am.
CEO Abhijit Sinha stated that the meeting has been convened with regard to expenditure monitoring measures in view of the ensuing general election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2018.
According to a handout received here, for monitoring day to day election expenditure incurred by the candidates, election expenditure mechanism is put in place in each constituency.
In view of the forthcoming general election to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, as per Section 77 (1) of the Representation of People Act 1951, every contesting candidate at an election is mandated to maintain the correct account of expenditure incurred/authorized in connection with election.
It is pertinent to mention that comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election expenditure of the candidates have been issued, which include formation of Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, Video Surveillance Teams, involvement of investigation Directorate of Income Tax department etc.
State excise department and police authorities have been asked to monitor production, distribution, sale and storage of liquor and other intoxicants (including narcotics) during the election process.
For greater transparency and for ease of monitoring election expenses, candidates would be required to open a separate bank account and incur their election expenses from that very account.
For the purpose of maintaining purity of elections, the ECI has issued the Standard Operating Procedure for Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, constituted in keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or in kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or anti social elements etc. in the constituency during election process.
The maximum limit of election expenses for the assembly constituencies is Rs. 20 lakh per candidate.
All political parties sponsoring candidates for the Legislative Assemblies elections are required to maintain day-to-day accounts of all election campaign expenses and submit the accounts to the Commission within 75 days of the completion of such elections.
