Dimapur, January 21 (DIPR): Ahead of the State general election scheduled for February 27, various meetings were held in different districts of Nagaland on January 20.
Kohima: In Kohima, the first meeting of District Level Standing Committee (DLSC), Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) cells with various NGOs representatives and political parties was held on January 20 at DC conference hall.
The Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer of Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan (IAS), who chaired the meeting, said the meeting was convened to discuss about the various election related issues and responsibilities. He requested the members to use the online permission management portal where candidates can apply for permission for meetings, rallies along with NOC from concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, the DC appealed to every candidate to open a separate dedicated bank account for election expenditure at least one day prior to the date of nomination. He requested all the political parties to extend best support and co-operation saying it is a constitutional duty of everyone to conduct free and fair election.
SP Kohima, Aotemsu also sought co-operation from the various NGOs, political parties and public for peaceful conduct of the election and assured to provide adequate security arrangement.
The Nodal Officer of EEM and Assistant Commissioner, Shashank Pratap Singh (IAS) also briefed on the Election Expenditure Monitoring. Speaking on the Model Code of Conduct, EAC Weku Zhiemi stated that all political parties and candidates should avoid corrupt practices and offences under the election law. The offences highlighted were bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within hundred meter of polling stations, holding public meeting during 48 hours prior to the closing of the poll, transport and conveyance of voters to and from polling stations.
“No party or candidate should indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different tribes and communities, religious or linguistic and no political party or candidate will be permitted to make use of any individual’s land, building, compound, wall etc. without the owner’s permission for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners etc,” he added.
Pughoboto: A meeting of all election teams under Pughoboto was held at the DB Customary Court, Pughoboto on January 20. SDO (Civil) Pughoboto, Tiayanger explained the MCC for General Election 2018 and asked them to be available in station 24x7 and report to the official in-charge. SDPO Vekhrolo briefed the Static Surveillance Team and Flying Squad to follow the MCC rules and also informed that so far two check points have been set up, one at Tsaphimi and the other at Kashanyu junction. The check points will have CCTV and web casting facility. Meanwhile, meeting of all the recognized political parties was held with the ADC & DEO of Pughoboto, Avelu Ruho at the ADC office chamber in Pughoboto on January 20. Avelu apprised the party representatives under 13 Pughoboto A/C that everything will be enforced according to the rules of general election Model Code of Conduct and directed them to inform their respective candidates to maintain separate bank account for transaction, which will be monitored by the Election Observer. A team from Income Tax will be in station during the election period, she informed, adding candidates should not incur expenditure of Rs. 20 lakh and above.
Further, she said that for organizing rally/campaign, permission has to be taken from the authority. Hiring of things like chairs, flower pots, sound systems, tents, banners, vehicles and others items will fixed at a reasonable rate, the ADC & DEO added. The entire item fixation for election purpose will be issued to all the parties in time.
SDO (C), Tiayanger and SDPO, Vekhrolo Koza also explained how the political parties have to follow the guidelines of the MCC.
Wokha: A co-ordination meeting for implementation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for Wokha district comprising of Election Expenditure Monitoring cell, Election Expenditure Monitoring control room & call centre, Assistant Expenditure Observers, Video Surveillance team, Video Viewing team, Accounting team, Flying Squads, Static Surveillance team and Media Certification & Monitoring Cell was held at DC conference hall, Wokha on January 20.
The meeting was chaired by SDO (C) Wokha, T Lanusenla Longkumer, who apprised all the team members about their roles and responsibilities to be carried out during the election process. She also reminded all concerned officials to remain in their respective place of assigned duties and perform their responsibilities with sincerity.
Now that the MCC is in force, she urged all officials to strictly follow the laid down guidelines for the smooth conduct of the election.
