DEO Kakching cautions against flouting MCC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 17 2024: With the Lok Sabha-2024 elections scheduled for conduct in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, office of the district election officer (DEO), Kakching has issued an appeal to all political entities, candidates, voters, and citizens alike, urging strict adherence to the regulations mandated by the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect subsequent to the Election Commission of India formally announcing the schedules on Saturday.

The DEO's appeal specified that in a bid to maintain integrity of the electoral process, none should carry cash exceeding Rs 50,000, which could potentially be misused to influence or bribe voters.

Furthermore, stringent measures have been put in place to combat circulation of narcotic drugs and illicit liquor, with specialised teams such as Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams actively monitoring and thwarting any attempts at such illicit activities, it mentioned.

Underlining the gravity of electoral malpractices, the DEO also-invoked Section 123 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, under which any form of direct or indirect interference aimed at impeding the free exercise of electoral rights shall amount to corrupt practice and will be dealt with accordingly.

To reinforce these regulations, provisions under Section 171B and 171C of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked, stipulating punitive measures against individuals involved in offering or accepting gratifications, as well as those engaging in undue influence or threats during the electoral process, the DEO cautioned.

It further conveyed that to bolster vigilance and responsiveness, the district administration has constituted specialised committees and monitoring teams, tasked to promptly address any violations reported by vigilant citizens.

A dedicated District Control Room has also been established to oversee the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and citizens urged to report any infractions to designated authorities via toll-free helpline number 1950, C-Vigil Citizen App, or the Election Commission of India's offi cial website https://eci-cit-izenservices.eci.nic.in.

SDC Kakching Soraisam Anuka has been appointed as district nodal officer for model code of conduct while account officer, Kakching, Sapam Iboyaima has been appointed as district nodal officer for election expenditure monitoring.

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