Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (AF)

Mangalore, May 2: Much to the relief of the citizens, political parties and their candidates have been prohibited from using loud speakers on their vehicles to campaign for the forthcoming elections.

Addressing a meeting here on Thursday May 1 at the DC's office, assistance commisioner Sameer Shukla informed that a decision in this regard was taken at a meeting held in Bangalore on Wednesday April 30.

Elaborating on the election code of ethics to political parties as well as the public, Shukla said that candidates should obtain permission from the returning officer to display any election material on private vehicles. Candidates are allowed to use only three vehicles on the day of the elections, one each for the candidate, polling agent and the party workers. It is mandatory to posses pass for all the three vehicles, failing which the vehicle/s will be seized, Shukla said.

With regard to use of party flags, he said that the parties are allowed to display only one flag and one banner measuring 4x8 ft at the parties' election offices. Also, display of religious flags is prohibited except inside places of worship.

In addition, he informed that voters will not be allowed to use photo copies of election cards unless attested by an official authority. Those who do not have an election photo identity card (EPIC) can also cast their votes provided any of the members of their families own EPICs and that the entire family comes to vote in a group.