The campaign for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections for two Lok Sabha seats in Meghalaya—Shillong and Tura—will end tomorrow.
The ‘silence period’ will start from 4 pm.
Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, public meeting is prohibited. No person can hold or attend, join or address any public meeting or procession in connection with the election. Display of any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus are also prohibited.
The election department is positive that the voter turnout is expected to exceed the 71.42 per cent reported in 2019 looking at the enthusiasm and campaign participation.
Chief Electoral Officer, BDR Tiwari told reporters today that with several workshops and different programs conducted to spread awareness of the right to vote, people will come out to vote on April 19.
He said the department is ensuring free and fair elections. “All required arrangements have been made even keeping in consideration of the weather conditions. Around 30,000 to 35,000 people will be involved in this election and they would be in different capacities including the reserved personnel and security personnel,” he added.
On school children seen participating at a political campaign the CEO said a report has been sought from the concern District Election Officer (DEO).
The National People’s Party (NPP) had reportedly allowed participation of school children during an election campaign held recently in Killing under Jirang constituency in Ri Bhoi district, which is in violation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
Tiwari informed that three FIRs were filed for poll-related campaigns till April 11. The department also saw a jump in the number of cases or person bound down under various sections of the CrPC totalled at 1938 and 252 non-bailable warrants.
So far authorities have seized cash, liquor, drugs and freebies worth Rs 43.13 crore since the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha election came into force.
The department also resolved seven complaints lodged in the cVIGIL app.
“It is not that there has been a very huge jump in the number of cases and since Meghalaya is known for its peaceful elections, hopefully it will be the same this time as well,” the CEO said.
Meanwhile, voter slips have been distributed to most of the voters.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) went house to house to distribute the voter slip.
The voter slip will have to be produced by a voter along with an EPIC card before casting the vote in the election.
Voters will be able to get important information including the name, number, and helpline number of their polling station through the voter information slip with the QR code.
