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Model code comes into effect in Haryana

CHANDIGARH: In view of the upcoming Haryana Assembly by-elections from Gohana, Indri and Adampur, the Model Code of Conduct in Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal and Hisar districts has become effective from April 16 and will remain in force up to May 27.

Chief Electoral Officer Sajjan Singh said here on Thursday that announcement of any new projects/programmes/concessions/financial grants in any form or promises thereof or laying of foundation stones and so on by the party in power was prohibited. No appointment or promotions in Government or in public undertaking would be made during this period without prior clearance of the Election Commission of India, he added.

He stated that wall writing, pasting of posters/papers or defacement in any other form or erecting/display of cut-outs, hoardings, banners and so on would not be permitted on any public property/public premises. However, if the local laws permit or provide for writing of slogans, displaying posters or erecting cut-outs, hoardings, banners, political advertisements in any public place specifically identified for such purposes, on payment or otherwise, this might be allowed strictly in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law and subject to any court orders. All parties and candidates should be provided equal opportunity in this regard. The space provided for this purpose should not be expanded or reduced, he added.

Mr. Sajjan Singh said that if the local laws do not permit wall writing, pasting of posters, hoardings/banners/cut-outs for political advertisement and so on in private places, the same would not be permitted even with the consent of the owner of the property. However, subject to any restrictions under any local laws, the political parties, candidates, their agents, workers and supporters might hoist one party flag showing their election symbol on their own property provided they do so on their own volition without any pressure from any party, organisation or person.

In case of any violation, the defaulter would be prosecuted under Section 3 of the Haryana Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

Mr. Sajjan Singh said that photo electoral rolls finally published on January 25, 2008, would be used during the by-elections and polling would be conducted through electronic voting machines.

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