New Delhi, March 16: A day after the schedule for the Assam Assembly poll was announced, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a series of instructions to the poll authorities in Dispur for strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The poll notification for the single-phase polling slated for April 9 has been issued.
Following the announcement of the poll schedule, the Commission issued directions to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of the states and Union Territories concerned to ensure the immediate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
“The Commission directed to ensure strict compliance with the instructions related to removal of defacement from government, public and private property; misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with election; ban on issuance of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer,” the ECI said in a statement.
“The privacy of citizens must be respected, with no demonstrations or picketing outside private residences. Land, buildings, or walls shall not be used for flags, banners, or posters without the owner’s consent,” the statement added.
The Election Commission also said that a complaint monitoring system has been established to enable citizens and political parties to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
A Call Centre with the number 1950 has been set up through which complaints can be lodged by members of the public or political parties with the District Election Officer or Returning Officer concerned.
The poll body also reminded political parties of their responsibilities during the election process. It said that parties must inform the police authorities in advance regarding public meetings and processions so that proper arrangements for traffic management and security can be made.
They are also required to comply with any prohibitory orders and obtain the necessary permissions for the use of loudspeakers and other related facilities.
“Ministers shall not combine official duties with electioneering or use government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes,” the Commission said.
