Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 24
Consequent upon the announcement of the schedule for the General Election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly – 2018 by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 18, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland today reminded that Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force in the entire state of Nagaland.
In this connection, the CEO drew attention of all citizens towards some important guidelines of the ECI pertaining to MCC, Electoral Offences and Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) for information and compliance.
Restriction on carrying cash
During checking, if any cash exceeding Rs. 50,000/- is found in a vehicle carrying a candidate, his agent, or party worker or carrying posters or election materials or any drugs, liquor, arms or gifts items which are valued at more than Rs. 10,000/- likely to be used for inducement of electors or any other illicit articles are found in a vehicle, shall be subject to seizure.
Citizens carrying cash more than Rs. 50,000/- are advised to carry relevant documents to substantiate the source and purpose of the money, a release issued by CEO stated.
Banks are to report daily to the DEO on suspicious withdrawal of cash from bank account of any individuals. Referring to mechanism for monitoring election expenditure, Video Surveillance Team, Video Viewing Team, Accounting Team, Flying Squad & Static Surveillance Team to be supervised by the Expenditure Observer.
No new govt scheme should be announced
CEO Abhijit Sinha in a release stated that no new government scheme/project should be announced and those already approved also should not be started if work on it has not commenced yet. Rest Houses, Dak Bungalows or other Guest Houses of the Government should not be used for carrying out any political activity, meetings etc.
Misuse of official vehicles
There is a total ban on use of official vehicles by any political party, candidate or agent for campaigning, electioneering or election related travel during elections. The expression official vehicles include truck, lorries, tempos, jeeps, cars, auto rickshaws, e-rickshaws, buses belonging to central govt., state govt. public undertakings, local bodies, municipal corporations marketing ports cooperative societies or any other body in which public funds are invested.
Electoral offences and corrupt practices
The offering and accepting/receiving of bribe/gratification by any person is both an electoral offence and corrupt practice. Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempt to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue at an election. Whoever votes at an election in the name of any other person commits the offence of personation at an election. Booth capturing and preventing others from free exercise of their right to vote by any person is an electoral offence. Any promotion or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred on the ground of religion, race, caste, community, or language by any candidate or his election agent is an electoral offence and corrupt practice under the law.
Complaint Monitoring System
Toll free number 1950 in the CEO office is available for any complaint by email may be sent to ceo_nagaland@eci.gov.in or fax to 0370-2290460. The districts control room is also available for any complaint or grievances. For further query, visit eci.nic.in or ceonagaland.nic.in
