Dimapur, Jan. 20 (EMN): The first meeting of the district-level standing committee (DLSC) for the Model Code of Conduct and Expenditure Monitoring was held with various representatives from political parties and nongovernmental organizations’ on Jan. 20 in the DC’s conference hall at Kohima town. The IPR gave updates about the meeting on Sat.
The discussions revolved around activities set for the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections in Kohima district.
Presiding over the meeting, the district election officer (DEO) of Kohima Rajesh Soundararajan said that the meeting was convened to discuss various election-related issues and assignments.
The DEO requested the members to used ‘suvidha,’ which is an online permission management portal where candidates can apply for permission for meetings, rallies along with a No Objection Certificate (or NOC) from the authorities.
Soundararajan appealed to the candidates to open a separate dedicated bank account for the election expenditure monitoring at least one day prior to the date of nomination. He requested all the political parties to support and cooperation ‘as it is a constitutional duty of everyone to conduct free and fair election.’
The superintendent of Kohima police Aotemsu also sought cooperation from the NGOs, political parties and the public to conduct elections peacefully. He assured adequate security arrangements during the election process.
Assistant Commissioner Shashank Pratap Singh also highlighted election expenditure monitoring activities.
Talking to the attending individuals about the model code of conduct, Extra Assistant Commisisoner Weku Zhiemi informed the political parties and candidates that they should avoid unscrupulous activities. These include corrupt practices and offences under election statutes such as bribery, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters; canvassing within hundred meters of polling stations; holding public meeting 48 hours prior to polling closing; transport and conveyance of voters to and from polling station.
Zhiemi mentioned that no party or candidate should indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create hatred or cause tensions among different tribes and communities, religious or linguistic. No political party or candidate will be permitted to make use of any individual’s land, building, compound, wall etc. without the owner’s permission for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners etc., they were informed.
