SEC requests political parties to avoid PVC flex boards
Representational Image. (Photo: PTI)
Thiruvananthapuram: Elections to three tier local bodies will be held in two phases across the state on November 2 and 5 respectively. The results will be declared on November 7.
This was announced by State Election Commissioner K Sasidharan Nair at a press conference here after the conclusion of a high level meeting. During the first phase on November 2 elections will be held in seven districts; Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod.
The second phase on November 5 will cover Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
For the first time EVMs and photo electoral rolls were being used for entire local bodies. Online sytem is in place for addition and deletion of names. NRKs and transgenders too have been included in the electoral rolls.
SEC said strict instructions would be given to avoid PVC flex boards for electioneering. The Suchitwa Mission had given a petition seeking a ban on the use of such materials. Since the government has permitted controlled use of PVC flex boards, it would not be possible to enforce a complete ban.
He appealed to political parties to use environment friendly propaganda material as was done during 35th National Games. Mr Nair said the code of conduct had come into effect from Saturday onwards. "Political parties, officials should comply with the code of conduct. All boards and hoardings put up by government, local bodies and elected representatives highlighting development achievements should be removed at the earliest. Collectors would be responsible for the conduct of elections in their respective districts while special cells will be constituted to examine, monitor poll code of conduct. Multi Post EVMs which facilitate casting of more than one vote at a time would be used. NOTA will not be applicable in the forthcoming polls as there is no such option in the Panchayat Raj Municipality Act. Electronic voting machine with three ballot units comprising 15 candidates each and a control unit would be used for the polls. More ballot units would be added depending on the number of candidates.
He said single post EVM will be used in urban bodies while multi post EVMs would be used for panchayat polls. One control unit with three ballot units for district panchayat, block panchyats and grama panchayats respectively. After casting all three votes there will be a beep sound. In case if someone wants to vote only for one or two out of the three, after pressing the button he needs to also press on the end button to complete the voting process. The SEC said the date of swearing in has not been decided yet but the commission wanted at the earliest after the polls. Special officers or administrative committees would be appointed by the government till new governing councils took over.
On security arrangements, the commissioner said that state police would be deployed along with forces from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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