Newmai News Network Aizawl | April 9: Mizoram People’s Forum (MPF), a poll watchdog formed by various churches and civil organizations in Mizoram, has called upon all the political parties to set an example of free and fair election in view of the upcoming assembly polls to be held later this year. Addressing a function at Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) office, in a campaign to ensure free and fair conduct of election in the upcoming assembly polls on Monday, MPF general secretary Rev. Dr. R. Lalbiakmawia said the forum has been working hard to make Mizoram a role model for other states in term of conducting elections under free and fair manner. He urged all the political parties to refrain from using money during campaigns. According to Lalbiakmawia, the MPF has made a covenant with all the political parties for free and fair election in view of the forthcoming assembly polls. He then appealed to all the political parties to respect the covenant so the goal of the mission is achieved. He further appealed to all the political parties to evolve election manifestos which can be fulfilled and put into practice. Lalbiakmawia said that the MPF has evolved an election model code of conduct to be respected by all the political parties and contesting candidates as per which candidates are asked to refrain from corrupt practices, refrain from bribing and intimidating voters, not to indulge in impersonation and avoid canvassing within a diameter of 100 metres from polling station. The election model code of conduct also said that all the parties should avoid campaign on ethnic lines and religious ground, among others. Lalbiakmawia also said that the MPF has put a limit for expenses to be incurred by each candidate not more than Rs 20 lakh. Formed in 2006 by several churches and state's largest voluntary organisation, Young Mizo Association (YMA) and others civil bodies, MPF functions as poll watchdog in the state and monitors expenses incurred by parties, and even micro-managing what should, or should not, figure in poll manifestos. The forum organizes what it calls a common platform at different places where candidates of various political parties stand on one podium, deliver speeches and take queries from the audience. The general secretary said that this time a common platform will not be organized after declaration of elections.
