Kerala - Kochi   

Election panel issues directives to candidates

Staff Reporter

Parties warned against indulging in `corrupt practices'

KOCHI: The Election Commission has directed political parties not to canvass votes within 100 metres of polling stations. Returning Officers in various constituencies in Ernakulam district have warned political parties against indulging in "corrupt practices" and offences under the election law.

Criticism of political parties should be confined to their policies and programmes, past record and work. Parties should refrain from criticising candidates on their private life. Political parties should not appeal to caste or communal feelings. Mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship should not be used as forum for election propaganda.

Candidates should not use rest houses or other Government accommodation as campaign office or for holding any public meeting for the purposes of election propaganda.

The Election Commission has appointed Election Observers to monitor the conduct of the polls. Candidates can inform the observers about any specific complaint or problem regarding the conduct of the election.

On the polling day, all political parties should issue identity cards to their authorised workers. Identity slips given to voters should be on plain paper. It should not contain any symbol, name of the candidate or the name of the Party.

Electronic voting machines will be kept at the Government Girls' HSS, Ernakulam, on April 28. Representatives of political parties can ensure whether the voting machines are in working condition. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on May 11 at the Government Girls' HSS.

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