Chandigarh, May 3, 2013:The State Election Commission (SEC) has issued strict directions for the compliance of model code of conduct which has come into force today with the issuance of notification for the election of 145 Panchayat Smitis and 22 Zila Parishads. SEC has also written a letter to the Chief Secretary for ensuring the compliance of conduct.
An Official spokesman of the SEC said that during the election process Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not make use of official machinery and personnel or other Government resources including government vehicle for furtherance of interests of any candidate. Official telephones including mobiles, fax etc. shall not be used for electioneering purposes.
The Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants/payment out of their discretionary funds from the time elections are announced by the Commission. Further they shall not announce any financial grant in any form or promises thereof or make any promise of constructions of road, provision of drinking water facility etc. or make any adhoc appointment in government public undertaking etc. which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power. They shall not sanction any new scheme or make any announcement of any new scheme. Laying of foundation stone etc. of a project or a scheme of any kind shall not be done during the period of election.
An Official Spokesman further said that use of rest houses, circuit houses and other government accommodation should be permitted to all the candidates and the political parties on the same terms and conditions on which it is permissible for the party in power. However, no candidate or party shall be allowed to use such accommodations (including premises apartments thereto) as a campaign office or for holding any public meeting for the purpose of election propaganda.
An Official Spokesman further said that a public servant shall not participate or accompany a Minister in any programme, organised at an individual’s house for which the Minister has accepted the invitation during his election tour.
The loud speakers shall be used only between 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. No party or candidate shall hold public meeting or processions without obtaining necessary permission from the competent Local Authority(s). Places of worship such as temples, mosques, churches etc. shall not be used as forum for election propaganda.