In order to conduct the lok Sabha election in an impartial, smooth and peaceful manner, Collector and Returning Officer R Sangheeta held a meeting of representatives of different political parties and candidates here on Sunday afternoon.
General observer appointed by the Election Commission of India, Shashibhushan Susheel and expenses observer Vedveer Arya, Mahasamund Superintendent of Police Deepak Jha, Additional Collector Omkar Yadu, Deputy District Electoral Officer KK Behar, representatives and candidates of various political parties were present at the meeting.
The Collector appealed to the candidates and representatives of political parties to follow the model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of India. She gave detailed information about the various provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951.
The Commission has decided to hold election at Bindranvagarh assembly constituency under Mahasamund parliamentary constituency on April 17, from 7 am to 3 pm and in the remaining 7 assembly constituencies of Mahasamund, Khallari, Basna, Saraipalli, Rajim, Dhamtari and Kurud, the polling time would be from 7 am to 6 pm. Election campaign will be stopped 48 hours before the beginning of polling, i.e., on April 15 at 6 pm.
It was said in the meeting that candidates have to take permission from the competent officer before holding election meetings. The collector has authorized SDM Mahasamund to provide permission in Mahasamund revenue district, whereas the officers nominated by the collector will give permission in their respective districts Gariyaband and Dhamtari which are coming under the parliamentary constituency.
Vehicle permission will be given by additional collector and assistant returning officer Mahasamund. For that, application in prescribed format should be given to the competent officer 48 hours before holding the public meeting. The election observers also appealed to the political parties and common people for an impartial and peaceful election, while abiding by the model code of conduct. The collector has made it clear that it is mandatory to paste the original copy of the permission on windscreen of the vehicle being used in the electioneering.
The Collector said that inducement of voters during the election comes in the category of punishable crime. Assembly constituency-wise flying squads have been formed, which would continuously keep eye on the distribution of illegal cash or liquor or any other suspicious material, which could be used for wooing the electorate.
