Collector appeals to political parties to adhere to poll code

District Collector R. Sukumar, who had a meeting with the representatives of recognised political parties at the Collectorate on Wednesday, appealed to the participants to strictly adhere to prescribed poll code so as to ensure incident-free electioneering and peaceful polling on April 23.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Sukumar said the filing of nomination that would commence on March 30 would end on April 6.

The candidates could file their nomination during this period between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. barring March 31 (Mahaveer Jayanthi), April 1 (Bank annual account closing day), April 3 (Good Friday) and April 5 (Sunday).

Nomination could neither be filed through post or the representative as the papers could be submitted either by the candidate or the persons who second the candidate. At the same time, nomination and submission of deposit could be done through Election Commission of India’s Suvidha portal also.

If more than one candidate enter the Office of the Returning Officer at 3 p.m. to file nomination, token would be given.

Only three vehicles would be allowed within 100 meters from the Office of Returning Officer during filing of nomination and maximum of five members including the candidate permitted inside the Returning Officer’s chamber. At the same time, candidates of registered political parties or independent candidates could bring 10 valid voters of the constituency concerned during the filing of nomination.

On the maintenance of poll-related accounts, he said a new bank account should be started in the name of the candidate or his agent to maintain election expenditure. Any transaction – accepting donation for election or incurring election expenditure – above the value of ₹10,000 should be done only through this bank account by accepting or giving cheques. At the same time, the total expenditure should not exceed ₹40 lakh per constituency. The poll expenses accounts should be submitted within 30 days of the declaration of results.

The Collector said the expenses incurred towards election meetings, rallies, flags, posters, advertisements in newspapers and electronic media, poll graffiti on walls, hiring of vehicles, serving food to the candidates’ supporters etc. would come under ‘poll expenses’.

At the same time, no allurement like giving cash or gifts for votes, serving liquor, paid news items in newspapers and electronic media about the candidates, their electioneering etc. would be treated as ‘unlawful and punishable election expenses’, Dr. Sukumar said.

He made it clear that the candidates or their chief agents should apply in advance through Suvidha app for getting permission for vehicle campaign, organising public meetings and rallies, door-to-door canvassing of votes, opening of election booths etc. The original permit issued by the competent authority should be pasted in the electioneering vehicles.

The Collector said forms to senior voters above the age of 85 years and physically challenged electorate to cast their postal ballots were being distributed.

“Any clarification regarding the poll process can be obtained from the Returning Officers or the Election Control Room in the Collectorate,” said Dr. Sukumar while appealing to the political parties to comply with the poll code.

District Revenue Officer M. Durai, Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana and senior officials participated in the meeting.