Shimla: Himachal Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Manisha Nanda today launches Model Code of Conduct in operation in Hamirpur, Una, Kangra and Bilaspur Districts of Hamirpur Parliamentary constituency where polling will be held on 22nd may, 2008.
As per Election Commission of India guidelines the Do’s during model code of conduct are:-
Ongoing programmes, which have actually started in the field before the announcement of elections may continue.
Relief and rehabilitation measures to the people in areas affected by floods, droughts and other natural calamities, can commence and continue.
Grant of cash or medical facilities to terminally or critically ill persons can continue with appropriate approvals.
Public places like maidans, helipads, rest houses would be available impartially to all parties/contesting candidates for holding election meetings, to ensure a level playing field.
The local police authorities should be fully informed of the venue and time of the proposed meetings well in time and all necessary permissions taken.
Permission must be obtained for the use of loudspeakers or any other such facilities for the proposed meetings.
The assistance of the police should be obtained in dealing with persons disturbing meetings or otherwise creating disorder.
All Workers must display badges or identity cards. Unofficial identity slips issued to voters shall be on plain (white) paper and not contain any symbol, name of the candidate or name of the party.
According to Election Commission of India restrictions on plying of vehicles during the campaign period and on poll day must be fully obeyed.
Only persons with a specific valid authority letter from the Election Commission could enter any polling booth without any exemption.
Any complaint or problem regarding the conduct of elections shall be brought to the notice of the observer appointed by the Commission/Returning Officer, and the District Election Officer.
Activities which are corrupt practices or electoral offences such as bribery, undue influence, intimidation of voters, convassing within 100 meter of a polling station, holding of public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll and conveyance of voters to and from polling stations are also prohibited.
Demonstrations or picketing before the houses of individuals by way of protesting against their opinion or activities shall not be resorted to.
Subject to the local laws, no one can make use of any individual’s land, building, compound wall, vehicles etc. for erecting flag staffs, putting up banners, pasting notices or writing slogans etc. without specific permission of the owner.
No disturbance should be created in public meetings or processions organised by other political parties or candidates. Processions along places at which another party is holding meetings should not be undertaken. Processionists should not carry any articles, which are capable of being misused as missiles or weapons. Posters issued by other parties and candidates shall not be removed or defaced. Posters, flags, symbols or any other propaganda material shall not be displayed in the place being used on the day of poll for distribution of identity slips or near polling booths. Loudspeakers whether static or mounted on moving vehicles, should not be used either before 6 a.m. or after 10 a.m. and without the prior written permission of the authorities concerned.
