DEO conducts meeting
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 18 2017: Returning Officers of the Assembly Constituencies of Imphal East district today held a meeting with contesting candidates of the district at Panchayat Bhawan, Porompat.

Central observers were also ppresent at the meeting.

During the meeting, Election Expenditure Monitoring and Model Code of Conduct district nodal officer Kunjakeshore spoke at length about the Model Code of Conduct.

He said that Model Code of Conduct is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

He also spoke on how political parties, contesting candidates and party in power should conduct themselves during the process of election.

He further explained that the Election Commission ensures the observance of the Model Code of Conduct by the political party/parties in power including ruling parties at the Centre and in the State and contesting candidates in the discharge of its constitutional duties for conducting the free, fair and peaceful elections to the Parliament and the State Legislatures under Article 324 of the Constitution fo India.

He said it is also ensured that official machinery for the electoral purposes is not misused and that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters are prevented by all means.

In case of violation, appropriate measures are taken, he said.

During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code is applicable in the entire State, he said.

He further explained at length the enforcement of MCC, general conduct of MCC, meetings, procession/rally, polling day, guidelines on election manifesto etc.

He said criticism of other political parties and candidates should relate to their policies, programmes, past record and work.

The right of every individual for peaceful and undisturbed home life should be fully safeguarded, he continued.

Permission must be obtained for the use of loudspeakers or any other such facilities for the proposed meetings, he said adding loudspeakers whether static or mounted on moving vehicles shall not be used either before 6 am or after 10 pm and without the prior written permission of the authorities concerned.

He further said restrictions on plying of vehicles during the campaign period and on poll day shall be fully obeyed.

The district nodal officer said any complaint or problem regarding the conduct of elections shall be brought to the notice of the observer appointed by the Commission/Returning Officer/Zonal/Sector Magistrate/Election Commission of India.

Explaining Election Expenditure Monitoring related issues, Assistant Nodal Officer (EEM/MCC) Dr Mohammed Rabban Shah said carrying cash is not illegal under any law but huge cash transaction creates suspicion.

He continued if the cash is undisclosed, Income Tax department can seize it and if it is out of illegal foreign exchange, Enforcement Directorate can seize it.

He also explained the types of expenditure.

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