Kohima, October 8 (MExN): The Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland has issued an order with regard to the conduct of the upcoming Bye-Elections in the two constituencies namely 14-Southern Angami-I and 60-Pungro- Kiphire.
The order mentions that in Section 135A of Representation of the People Act 1951 on ‘Offence of Booth Capturing’ provides- whoever commits an offence of booth capturing shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to three years and with line.
Open declaration of support in favour of a particular candidate or political party by a village, ward, khel or community through public announcement and even through publication in electronic or print media etc violates the above provisions.
The CEO has reiterated that if any village or ward or community or group of people or media house is found violating or defying the said provisions in connection with any future elections, appropriate legal action shall be initiated against the violator(s) in the interest of free, fair, transparent election and administering social order.
Nodal Officer nominated
In connection with Bye-Election to 14-Southern Angami I and 60 Pungro Kiphire A/C, Iliho, Project Manager, Chief Electoral Officers Office was nominated as the Nodal Officer to examine cases of violation of MCC on social media.
