Representatives of candidates contesting the lok Sabha election from Garhwal parliamentary constituency were informed about the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and directed to ensure that these are observed. They were issued these instructions at a meeting held by the Returning Officer for Garhwal constituency and Pauri district magistrate Chandresh Kumar and general observer Manish Kumar. The meeting was attended by representatives of the candidates and micro observers on Thursday.
Chandresh Kumar said that all candidates should ensure that they observe the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India during poll campaigning. Informing political representatives about the guidelines of the ECI, he stressed that the candidates have to seek permission for putting up posters, banners, distributing pamphlets, holding rally or meeting as part of the poll campaign. Notice will be issued to the candidate concerned in case any of these activities is undertaken without prior permission. Stressing that the model code of conduct should be strictly observed by the candidates and political parties, the returning officer said that if there is misunderstanding regarding the model code of conduct, it will be resolved by the general observer appointed by the ECI.
He said that the permission for using vehicle for campaigning across the parliamentary constituency will be issued by the returning officer of the constituency while permission for using the vehicle for campaigning in a district will be issued by the district magistrate concerned. The permission is mandatory and should be taken 48 hours in advance, he said, while adding that a case will be registered against the party or candidate in case a public meeting is organised without prior permission.
In-charge of accounts, BP Kandpal informed the political representatives about aspects of election campaign expenditure stating that the expenditure register for the campaign should be presented by the deputed agent of the candidate contesting the election on April 26, 30 and May 5 along with bill vouchers so that it can be compared with the shadow register.