Plans to enforce model CoC

SURAT, July 20: With the model code of conduct coming into effect for the forthcoming elections, the district administration, in a statem...

SURAT, July 20: With the model code of conduct coming into effect for the forthcoming elections, the district administration, in a statement, has promised that no privately owned property of the city 8212; including a shanty in the slum 8212; will have a single poster or painting of an election candidate.

In the same vein, it also warned all officials implementing the code that any lapse in duty on their part could spell the end of their services.

The use of cell phones at polling or counting stations will not be permitted, the statement said, adding that the candidates have been asked to strictly abide by all regulations, including the one on expenditure on campaigning and that all police officials of the city and district would have to follow directions of the election commission.

The statement, while hinting that the code of conduct was violated in the past, stated that this time round every minor aspect will be strictly implemented in order to ensure free and fair elections in the city and district.

Providing details of the code of conduct, the district election officer said that each candidate will be allowed to make an expenditure of up to Rs 16 lakhs. No person could make cut outs, display banners or canvass for a candidate without his written permission.

In order to ensure that people are not disturbed by loudspeakers, political parties will be allowed to use it only between 6 am and 10 pm. The district collector has warned confiscation of vehicles and loudspeakers along with stern action against the candidate if the directive was violated.

No political party workers or volunteers will be allowed to draw any paintings, stick any pamphlets or banners on to private property, the release said. Legal action will be initiated against any person who violated this provision, the release added.

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Those pamphlets which do not have the name of the printing shop and person who printed them will also attract the wrath of the election commission and such people will have legal proceedings including imprisonment and fine clamped on them.

The district administration is also in the process of making a list of all sensitive polling booths in the area, where additional forces will be stationed. Officials have also been told to take action against candidates trying to garner votes on the basis of religion.