DCs urge strict Adherence to poll code for DK and Udupi local authorities By-election

DCs urge strict Adherence to poll code for DK and Udupi local authorities By-election

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sept 22, 2024: Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have urged political parties to strictly follow the election code of conduct ahead of the byelection for the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Local Authorities Constituency, scheduled for October 21.

During a meeting with political party representatives on Friday, September 20, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer M.P. Mullai Muhilan emphasized that, apart from checkposts at constituency borders, all standard election regulations would apply to the Local Authorities Constituency election. He added that nominations would be accepted at his office, and political parties or candidates must obtain permission for campaign meetings. A single-window system will be set up by the Election Commission to streamline permissions from various agencies.

Mr. Muhilan also distributed electoral rolls of the constituency to political parties. Zilla Panchayat CEO K. Anandh, Additional DC G. Santhosh Kumar, and party representatives including Nithin Kumar, Gurucharan, Neeraj Paul, Munir Mukkacheri, and Shenon Lawrence attended the meeting.

At a similar meeting in Udupi, held at the Rajatadri district office complex in Manipal, Deputy Commissioner Vidyakumari highlighted that people’s representatives and ministers are prohibited from holding meetings with members of local authorities who will be voting in the upcoming election. Routine meetings may be held only with prior permission from the district electoral officer.

Ms. Vidyakumari also stated that government departments and agencies are not allowed to announce any new schemes or programs that could influence voters. The ruling party has no exclusive rights to public spaces for campaign events, including helicopter landings or public meetings, which will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

She further stressed that political parties must seek approval before publishing or broadcasting election advertisements from the district media certification and monitoring committee. Religious places are off-limits for campaigning, and strict action will be taken against any attempts to lure voters through events like birthday celebrations.

The meeting was attended by Additional DC G.S. Mamatha Devi, Additional SP Siddalingappa, and political party representatives Chandrashekhar Prabhu, Habb Ali, and Jaya Kumar, among others.