Poll admin. cautions against booth capturing, show of hands

Dimapur, March 23 (EMN): The district election officer and assistant returning officer for Mokokchung, Rajesh Soundarajan, has issued an order warning against booth capturing activities, and against openly declaring support for candidates or political parties.
The IPR issued updates on Saturday informing about the directive from the authorities.
The notice stated that Article 326 of the Indian Constitution of India grants Universal Adult Suffrage to every eligible Indian citizen. Rule 39 of the Conduct of Elections 1961 directs maintaining secrecy of vote by the electors.

Section 135A of the Representation of the People Act 1951 on ‘Offence of Booth Capturing’ states that 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 fine.

Further, 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/print media etc., violates the provisions.

The order reiterated that if any village or ward community is found violating or defying said provisions, appropriate legal action shall be initiated against the violators in the interest of free and fair conduct of the election, the updates stated.