Raigarh. (23:04): A meeting was held at the Collectorate meeting hall on Monday evening at 4 pm, attended by all candidates contesting the elections and their representatives. They were reminded to observe their expenditure accounts on scheduled dates and adhere to the model code of conduct for publicity and canvassing.
General Observer IAS Dr. Anshaj Singh emphasized the importance of conducting fair and peaceful elections, urging candidates to refrain from personal attacks and accusations against each other. He assured the reliability of EVMs and VVPATs, informing candidates about their reorganization assembly-wise and the allocation process according to polling stations. He urged anyone witnessing violations of the Model Code of Conduct to report them impartially via phone, mobile, or by visiting the office located at the Circuit House.
Collector and District Election Officer Kartikeya Goyal highlighted the Election Commission of India’s instructions, stressing equality among all candidates and impartiality in the electoral process. Expenditure Observer Senthil Kumar B informed about expenditure inspections and guidelines, emphasizing the importance of adhering to expenditure rules and obtaining permission for various activities.
Deputy District Election Officer and Additional Collector Rajiv Kumar Pandey provided information about the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, including the second randomization of EVMs, commissioning dates, mock polls, expenditure procedures, and permissions for vehicles and promotional material. He reminded candidates of the mandatory requirement to mention printer and number details in publicity material and the prohibition of luring as per legal provisions.
Candidates were advised to use the C-Vigil app or call 1950 to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, they were informed about the inclusion of all expenses related to the participation of candidates in star campaigners’ programs in their expenditure accounts and the necessity of obtaining permission from MCMC for electronic advertising.
Loudspeakers are banned from 10 pm to 6 am, and only permitted loudspeakers for publicity will be allowed, with confiscation of any unauthorized power zone speakers.
Candidates must review their expenditure accounts on April 25th, 30th, and May 6th, 2024, with failure to comply resulting in notices and potential cancellation of permissions by the Election Commission, along with disqualification actions.
