Election: RO’s roll out rules, riders and regulations

Dimapur, March 11 (EMN): The election authorities in Nagaland have begun issuing notice and arbitration orders to regulate conduct of the forthcoming elections to the Lok Sabha for 2019. The government’s bulletin DIPR issued updates on Monday concerning said event. The notices include directives meant for printing establishments, arms licensees; and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct; and cash, among others. The district election for Kohima, Anoop Khinchi has informed all printing establishments in the district to adhere to regulations and restrictions on printing pamphlets, posters etc., as governed by the provisions of Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act 1951. The administration has directed that the provisions of said section shall be strictly observed during the general elections to the Lok Sabha. The electoral establishment referred to observations made by the Supreme Court in the Rahim Khan vs Khurshed Ahmed and others (AIR 1975 SC290) case, read with the provisions of the Constitution as contained in the commission’s order dated Sept. 2 1994 for strict observance and compliance on said subject. All the printing establishments in Kohima district have been directed to strictly follow government instructions when printing materials related to the elections. They are directed to indicate clearly in the print line the names and addresses of the printer and publisher of any election pamphlet, poster or such other materials printed by them. Likewise, the printer is to send to the office of the district election officer of Kohima three copies of the printed materials and the declaration obtained from publishers as required under Section 127A (2), within three days of the materials being printed. Violation of any provision of Section 127 A and the directives of the commission shall be seriously viewed, the election authorities cautioned. Stern action will be taken against offenders including revocation of license of the printing press under the relevant laws of the state, the notice added. Arms licence The Kohima election division has also listed out directives for arms licence holders in the district. The Lok Sabha elections are to be held on April 11. Votes will be counted on May 23 2019. The election administrator for Kohima, Anoop Khinchi, issued the directives to a number of administrative establishments, the updates stated: additional deputy commissioner for Tseminyu/Chiephobozou; sub-division officer (civil) for Jakhama/Sechu Zubza; and the extra assistant commissioner for Botsa/Tsogin/Kezocha. All arms licence holders in stated jurisdictions have been directed to produce their licences for verification. They are also to deposit the weapons at the nearest police station on or before March 20. Failing to deposit the weapons the licence for verification within the stipulated time will result in the cancellation of the licence, impounding of the arms, and initiate penal action against the offenders. Model Code of Conduct With the announcement of the general elections to the 17th Lok Sabha by the Election Commission of India, the district election establishment for the capital has informed all in concern that the Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates comes into force with immediately throughout Kohima district. The Code will be in force till the completion of the election process, the updates stated. Political parties, intending candidates, government departments/establishments and the public in general have been informed to take note of the notice. They are to adhere strictly to the code of conduct and cooperate with the district election machinery to ensure peaceful general elections. Likewise, the election authorities have announced the Code for Pughoboto. The district election officer for Pughoboto, K Mhathung Tsanglao has declared that the Model Code of Conduct will come into force immediately. It will remain in force till the conclusion of the electoral process. Cash Likewise, the district election officer has directed all in concern particularly political parties, candidates, and party workers to adhere to directives about carrying money during elections. The administration stated that cash exceeding INR 50,000 and found in a vehicle carrying a candidate, agent or party workers; or carrying posters or election materials; or drugs, liquor, arms or gift items which are valued at more than INR 10,000 likely to be used for inducement of electors shall be subject to seizure. Members of the public carrying cash exceeding INR 50,000 should always ‘keep some relevant documents with them’ to substantiate the source and purpose of the money, the updates stated.