Election Commission has directed Chief Electoral Officers of all States to ensure that advertisements and hoardings highlighting Government’s achievements should not be displayed at Government cost after announcement of elections. The commission said that display of advertisements and hoardings at Government cost falls under the category of violation of Model Code of Conduct.
The commission said that such advertisements and hoardings give undue advantage to ruling party and mobilise voters in its support. The commission has directed official media to be vigilant in this respect. The commission had received complaints from some States in this regard. In view of this, the commission has written letters to Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of States on the issue.
The commission has also directed to inform all Government staff about this.
Meanwhile, it has been decided that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer will issue permits for vehicles to be used for electioneering by political parties and candidates in the State. Such vehicles can be used throughout the state by political leaders. Permit will have to be displayed on windscreen of vehicle. Colour of this permit will be different from that of the vehicle permit issued by district election officer.
The commission has directed that if a political party applies to use a video van in the state then CEO will ascertain before giving permission whether it is used under the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act. Attention has been drawn in this regard towards decision of Allahabad High Court on a writ petition on the issue. District election officers will ensure that expenses on video van should be proportionately distributed among the candidates in whose constituencies it is used for electioneering.