Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 9: Electoral officer of Mangaluru assembly constituency and assistant commissioner, Mahesh Karjagi, said that a close watch needs to be kept on the banners and buntings the political parties might display when undertaking election campaigns. He said that those who arrange for such things need to clear them within an hour after the programme comes to an end.

He was providing information about the code of conduct in vogue relating to his constituency, at a programme held in the court hall of Mini Vidhana Soudha in the city on Sunday April 8.

"Parties holding programmes need to obtain prior permission from local administration, police, and electoral officer. Banners are allowed to be hung two hours before the beginning of the programme. They need to be brought down within an hour since the programme ends," he explained.

Karjagi stated that banners relating to religious programmes can be erected only after obtaining permission in advance. He clarified that there is no restriction on holding religious programmes without the involvement of political leaders. He however said that the department will keep close watch if political leaders get involved with these programmes. He said that it would be in the interests of the concerned if programmes at night are restricted to bare minimum.

"Mock polling programmes are held to clear confusions and doubts political parties might be having about the electronic voting machines. These programmes are held at the end of the scrutiny of these machines and also on the morning of the election, duly bringing the same to the attention of representatives of political parties," he stated. He added that under vvpat system, the voter would be able to view the person to whom he has cast his vote for seven seconds after he exercises his franchise. Thereafter, it gets deposited in the drop box, he explained.

The assistant commissioner said that during the casting of votes, the voter has the right to raise objection. A declaration would be obtained from him, and he would be allowed to cast his vote again. If the objection is found to be valid during scrutiny, polling would be stopped. If the objection is found to be irrelevant, the voter will have to undergo imprisonment, Mahesh said.

Karjagi said that three complaints about violation of election code of conduct, which were received by him, have already been disposed of. He said that three flying squads, video surveillance team and a team to monitor expenses have been formed. "Applications can be made about political programmes through Suvidha app. We wish that political parties conduct their campaigning without giving scope for any confusion," he advised.

April 25 is the last date for filing of nominations and nominations need to be filed before 3 pm that day. During the submission of nominations, procession beyond 100 metres from the office of the electoral officer can be held subject to obtaining prior permission. But near the office, only three vehicles, and five persons including the candidate would be allowed. For candidates of national parties and regional parties recognized in the state, one proposer is needed while independent candidates and candidates from parties not recognized in the state will need ten proposers, Karjagi narrated.

Tahsildar, Guruprasad, probationary tahsildar, Santosh, representatives of different political parties and officials were present.