Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 8 (EMN): In a run-up to the bye-elections for the 14 Southern Angami-I and 60 Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituencies scheduled on November 3, media persons in the state capital Kohima were sensitised on media-related regulations.
Nagaland Chief Election Officer (CEO) organised a state-level awareness workshop on EVM/ VVPAT, media certification and monitoring committee (MCMC), media-related matters for media persons at Hotel Japfü on October 8.
In his keynote address, the CEO, Abhijit Sinha, said that the workshop was organised to sensitise media-related regulations, paid news, MCMC and other related issues in order to avoid committing mistakes and also give fair reporting and avoid fake news.
He also gave a powerpoint presentation on the election expenditure monitoring by highlighting the legal provisions- its relevant excerpt from the Indian Penal Code, Representation of the People Act and conduct of elections rules. He informed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has reduced the number of star campaigners from 40 to 30 for elections owing to the prevailing situation.
He added that the political rallies and meetings are to follow Covid-19 norms and standard operating procedures.
The Additional Chief Electoral Officer, N Moa Aier, gave a presentation on media certification and monitoring committees (MCMC), where he urged the media fraternity to sensitise the people for a clean and fair election and to execute their duty and role in ensuring a clean and fair election.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, R Mhathung, shared on EVM/ VVPAT administrative procedures and technical aspects. He also dwelled on the safe and secure use of EVM/ VVPAT during election by making comparisons with other countries.
The official further reiterated the court’s ruling for safe use of the voting machines.
Following the presentations, an interactive and discussion session related to paid news, MCMC, and other subjects was held. Media personnel from various organisations, staff from the CEO office and others attended the awareness workshop.