On Friday, June 14, 2024, the Villupuram District Election Officer and Collector C. Palani convened a meeting with representatives of an array of recognized political parties to sensitize them on the model code of conduct for the forthcoming byelection to Vikravandi Assembly constituency scheduled to be held on July 10th.
The DEO explained about MCC to the representatives and told what are should do’s and don’ts which includes expenditure during election by candidates as well as political parties. It is advised that any candidate or party should not indulge in any personal attack against another candidate merely based on caste, community or language and shall avoid making any statement that could create tension.
These actions are illegal: distributing cash or gifts; intimidating voters; voting for someone else; threatening voters; impersonating another individual. Public meetings or processions or rallies cannot be organized within 48 hours of polling day. It is also not allowed to hire vehicles for movement of voters from one place to another during process of voting.
The only thing they can criticize about opposing candidates must be their past record while talking good about themselves without attacking their private lives. He added flag posts, advertisement banners, graffiti or other material should not be put up in somebody’s property without obtaining his/her consent. Also permission will be required for holding meetings.
In accordance with Election Commission of India (ECI) instructions if upon checking more than Rs50,000/- cash is found inside a vehicle carrying a candidate, agent or members from his party; Posters/ Election materials/ any narcotic drugs/ liquor/ arms/ gift items with aggregate value exceeding Rs10,000/- likely to be used for voter inducement etc., then these shall be seized.
Doubts were cleared by political parties’ representatives present in this meeting too.
