CEO lists dos and don'ts 48 hrs prior to Feb 28

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 24 : Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Agrawal has informed that during the Silence Period which starts 48 hours prior to the close of poll, presence of political functionaries from outside the Constituency will be restricted.
Thirty eight (38) Assembly Constituencies will go to polls on February 28 and hence the Silence Period will come into force on February 26.
The second phase poll will be held on March 5 and the Silence Period then will come into force on March 3.
Speaking at a press conference, the CEO said that election matters will not be telecast/broadcast on radio, TV or similar apparatus, while pre-certification by State/District MCMC is mandatory for publication of political advertisements in newspapers during the Silence Period.
The statement added that during Silence Period public meetings, processions etc will also be prohibited as per Section-126 of the Representation of People's Act 1951 and as such, no person should convene, hold or attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with the election. No person should display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus. No person should propagate any election matter to the public by holding, or by arranging the holding of any musical concert or any theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement with a view to attract the members of the public, in any polling area. Further, any person who contravenes the above provisions will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Listing the other arrangements made, the CEO also informed that webcasting/videography will be done in all polling stations; voter assistance booth will be set up in all polling stations; provisions for pick up/drop facilities for PwDs and aged electors will be made available with wheelchair facility being provided and further to ensure safe voting for electors, all polling stations will be sanitised one day before poll. Earmarking of circles, token system will be in place to avoid crowding in polling stations and adequate sanitiser, mask, glove, face shield, PPE kit etc. will be provided to polling parties.
 The statement also advised candidates to not canvas within 200 metres of polling stations on poll day or enter the polling booth with security. It further informed that no one will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the polling booth except for the Presiding Officer and Polling Officer-I.
Regarding identity proof for voting, the CEO urged voters to present her/his EPIC or any identification documents approved by the Commission, which include Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour, driving license, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension document with photograph, service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt/PSUs/Public Limited Companies and Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, along with the Voter Information Slips.