CEO warns against ‘open declaration’ of support

Dimapur, March 11 (EMN): The chief electoral officer of Nagaland has warned community organisations/villages and the media houses not to indulge in, or promote, activities that might constitute the “offence of booth capturing” in the run-up to the April 11 elections. In an order issued on Monday, the CEO stated the punishment for committing the offence of booth capturing—according to section 135A of Representation of the People Act 1951—was “imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to three years and with fine.” According to the CEO, “open declaration of support in favour of a particular candidate/political party by a village/ward/khel or community through public announcement and even through publication in electronic/print media etc.,” violates the provisions of Universal Adult Suffrage as well Rule 39 of the Conduct of Elections 1961 directing electors to maintain secrecy of vote. “Now, therefore, it is 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,” read the order.