THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The chief electoral officer has issued strict directions to the electronic media against telecasting poll-related programmes in violation of the code of conduct on the eve of the Aruvikkara bypoll to be held on June 27.
A circular issued by CEO Nalini Netto also warned that stern legal actions, which could include imprisonment up to two years, would be initiated against the offenders.
According to the circular, during the previous general elections, the electronic media, especially visual media, continued to telecast poll-related programmes during 48 hours preceding the close of polling.
This amounted to violation of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act. Debates, discussions and clippings of previous election-related events come under the purview of the Act.
The CEO directed heads of all television and radio channels to reschedule any poll-related programmes scheduled to be held between 5 pm on June 25 and the end of the poll at 5 pm on June 27.
Ballot paper setting
Commissioning of electronic voting machines and ballot paper setting for the Aruvikkara bypoll will be held at Nedumangad Girls Higher Secondary School on Monday.
