NAMSAI, Mar 29: The general observer (GO) for Namsai, V Sampath, has called for “elections free of money and muscle power” in the district.
During a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Tapasya Raghav, returning officers (RO), and the candidates and representatives of political parties here on Friday, the GO also advised the candidates to seek clarification on any issue from the ROs and AROs.
The DC highlighted the guidelines of the model code of conduct (MCC), along with other guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.
She advised the candidates and political parties to act in accordance with the MCC guidelines to ensure free, peaceful and fair elections in the district.
SP AK Singh said strict action would be initiated against those who violate the rules.
In Papum Pare HQ Yupia, GO Manoj Kr Deka held a meeting on Friday with the nodal officers of various election cells to review their preparations for the simultaneous polls on 11 April in Itanagar, Doimukh and Sagalee assembly constituencies.
Informing that he has visited various polling stations in the three constituencies, Deka pointed out that some polling stations in Naharlagun, Sagalee, Balijan and Tarasso are in dilapidated condition and require immediate attention.
He also reviewed the status of the training of polling personnel, webcasting, EVM/VVPAT, law and order, etc.
Expenditure observer (assembly) N Kheda Varta Singh also spoke.
DC Dr Joram Beda presented a brief on the ongoing preparations for smooth conduct of the elections, while SP Pranav Tayal highlighted the arrangements with regard to maintaining law and order in all administrative centres and polling stations.
In East Siang HQ Pasighat, GO Anwaruddin Choudhury urged representatives of the political parties to strictly follow the rules of the model code of conduct (MCC), and asked them to seek prior permission from the designated officer to conduct any election-related campaign.
DC Kinny Singh stressed on adherence to the MCC guidelines, and urged them not to misuse government or public property and educational institutions for election-related purposes.
She said the media certification and monitoring committee would look into paid news and surrogate advertising which could turn out to be an electoral offence.
The DC also spoke about the civil mobile application through which the public can record and send reports of violation of the MCC to the election authorities.
Later in the evening, expenditure observers Uddhay Bhaskar Jakkie (Arunachal East parliamentary) and Samrita Kaur Gill (assembly) interacted with the officers and explained various matters related to expenditure, including news and advertisements. (With inputs from DIPROs)
