Haryana State Election Commissioner, Devender Singh Kalyan has directed officers to ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Civic Body Polls, so as to ensure that polls are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful and transparent manner.
Reviewing election preparedness during a meeting with administrative and police officers of Sonipat and Rewari at Rai Rest House on Friday, the Commissioner undertook a detailed assessment of arrangements and made it clear that any violation of the Model Code of Conduct would invite prompt and strict action.
He said elections are a key festival of democracy and preserving their sanctity is a collective responsibility of the administration, political parties, candidates and the general public. He directed Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings with all political parties and ensure that they are fully apprised of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. He also stressed maintaining transparency at every stage of the election process and ensuring robust law and order arrangements.
The Commissioner said that voter convenience must remain the top priority. Necessary facilities should be ensured at every polling station, while help desks must be established to provide booth-related information and assistance to voters. He also directed that special arrangements be made for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women voters.
He directed officers to maintain strict surveillance along inter-state borders, particularly areas adjoining Uttar Pradesh. Police checkpoints should remain alert round the clock to prevent the movement of illegal liquor, cash, gift items or any other inducements.
Clear Guidelines for Candidates and Political Parties
Issuing clear directions for political parties and candidates, the Commissioner said seeking votes on the basis of caste, religion, language or community is strictly prohibited. Strict action will be taken against the use of religious places for election campaigning. Prior permission will be mandatory for rallies and public meetings, while officers were directed to develop a single-window system for issuance of no-dues certificates.
He further clarified that criticism of opponents must remain confined to policies and performance, and personal allegations or misleading propaganda should be avoided.He said bribing voters, intimidation or offering any inducement to influence voters is a punishable offence.
Public meetings will remain prohibited during the 48 hours preceding polling, while campaigning within a radius of 100 metres of polling stations will be completely banned.The Commissioner further directed that sale, distribution and consumption of liquor shall remain totally prohibited. Candidates should also sensitise their supporters in this regard.Regarding private property, he said putting up posters, banners or writing slogans on any property without permission is prohibited. Damaging campaign material of rival parties will also invite strict action.
Directions for Public Meetings and Processions
The Commissioner said prior intimation to and permission from the local administration and police would be mandatory for organising meetings and processions. Organisers must ensure that traffic is not disrupted and the public does not face inconvenience.
If more than one procession is proposed on the same route, necessary coordination should be ensured. Organisers must also maintain control over participants. Provocative acts, effigy burning or any activity likely to create disorder shall remain strictly prohibited.
He directed that candidates must issue identity cards to their authorised agents. Unnecessary crowding around polling stations should be avoided, and no campaign material or food arrangements should be made at camps near polling centres. Only valid pass holders will be permitted entry into polling stations.
Issuing stern directions to government officers and employees, the Commissioner said no employee shall work in favour of any political party or candidate. Use of government resources, vehicles and funds for election campaigning is completely prohibited. Ministers shall not combine official visits with election campaigning, nor announce new schemes, lay foundation stones or inaugurate projects during this period.
He added that government institutions will also be barred from issuing advertisements that may benefit any particular party or candidate.The Commissioner directed all officers to remain vigilant and proactive and ensure immediate action on any complaint of Model Code violation. He also ordered strict monitoring of social media to curb misleading propaganda.
Police Commissioner, Ms.Mamta Singh, Deputy Commissioner Sonipat, Ms. Neha Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rewari, Mr. Abhishek Meena, Secretary, State Election Commission Haryana, Mr. Gaurav Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rewari, Mr. Rahul Modi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonipat, Mr. Ajay Chopra, along with other senior officers of both districts, remained present on this occasion.