Dimapur, January 23 (MExN): With the Model Code of Conduct in effect in Nagaland, the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) of the state today issued the guidelines of the ECI pertaining to the MCC and the Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM).
Defacement of property
It informed that there should not be any defacement of government property, offices and premises and all wall writing, posters/papers or defacement in any form, cutout/hoardings, banners, flags etc on Government property should be immediately removed.
All unauthorized political advertisement in the form of wall writing/posters/paper banners cut out, flag at public spaces like Railway Station, Bus Stand, Airport, Roadways, Government Buses, Electric/Telephone Posts, Municipal/Local Bodies Buildings should be removed. All unauthorized political advertisements at private property should also be removed.
Misuse of govt vehicles, bungalows/rest houses
There is a total ban on use of official vehicles by any political party, candidate or agent for campaigning, electioneering or election related travel during elections.
The expression official vehicles include truck, lorries, tempos, jeeps, cars, autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, buses belonging to central government, state government, public undertakings, local bodies, municipal corporations, marketing ports, cooperative societies or any other body in which public funds are invested.
Rest Houses, Oak Bungalows or other Guest Houses of the Government should not be used for carrying out any political activity, meetings etc. No new government Scheme/Project should be announced and those already approved also should not be started if work on it has not commenced yet.
Electoral offences and corrupt practices
The offering and accepting/receiving of bribe/gratification by any person is both an electoral offence and corrupt practice, it stated. Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue at an election. Whoever votes at an election in the name of any other person commits the offence of impersonation at an election.
Booth capturing and preventing others from free exercise of the right to vote by any person is an electoral offence.
Any promotion or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred on the ground of religion, race, caste, community, or language by any candidate or his election agent is an electoral offence and corrupt practice under the law.
Types of expenditure
Expenditure is allowed under the law of electioneering, subject within the permissible limit public meetings, public rallies, posters, banners, vehicles, advertisements in print and electronic media.
They are not permitted under law for distribution of money, liquor or any items to the electors with intention to influence.
Another form of expenditure in recent times is on surrogate advertisements, paid news etc.
Media Certification and Monitoring Committee at State level and district levels have been formed and all the political parties/candidates should approach these committees, as the case may be, for pre certification of all type of political advertisements proposed to be issued in electronic or print media.
Video Surveillance Team, Video Viewing Team, Accounting Team, Flying Squad & Static Surveillance Team to be supervised by the Expenditure Observer has been formed.
As per Section 127 A of the RPAct, 1951, no person shall print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, any election pamphlet or poster which does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher thereof.
Printing other documents for the purpose of section127A includes any advertisement inserted in the newspaper and paid news published in any newspaper.
Restrictions on carrying cash
During checking, if any cash exceeding Rs 50,000 is found in a vehicle carrying a candidate his agent, or party worker or carrying posters or election material or any drugs, liquor, arms or gift items which are valued at more than Rs 10,000 likely to be used for inducement of electors or any other illicit articles are found in a vehicle, shall be subject to seizure.
Citizens carrying cash more than Rs 50,000 are advised to carry relevant documents to substantiate the source and purpose of the money. Banks are to report daily to the DEO on suspicious withdrawal of cash from bank account of any individuals.
Complaint monitoring system
Toll free number 1950 in the CEO office is available for any complaint by calling or by SMS or may be emailed to ceo_nagaland@eci.gov.in. The district control room is also available for any complaint 24x7 at the given number.
