Nagaland CEO issues order ahead of upcoming bye-polls to ensure free & fair polls

The order mentions that in Section 135A of Representation of the People Act 1951 on 'Offence of Booth Capturing' will be filed against whoever commits the offence of booth capturing and shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than one year and that may be extended to three years with fine.

It further stated that open declaration of support in favor of a particular candidate or political party by anyone through public announcement or even through publication in electronic or print media violates the provision.

The CEO has stressed that if any village or ward or community or group of people or media house is found violating or defying the given provisions in connection with any future elections, appropriate legal action shall be initiated against the violators(s) in the interest of free, fair, transparent election and administering social order.

Counting would be held on November 10, 2020. After taking the current situation into consideration as well as local festivals and weather conditions, the Election Commission announced the poll schedule for the by-elections.

The date of the issue of Gazette notification for by-polls in the two constituencies of Nagaland is October 09, 2020, while the last date of filing nominations is October 16, 2020, and the date for withdrawal is October 19, 2020.

The Election Commission has issued broad guidelines on August 21 to be followed strictly during the by-polls in view of the COVID situation. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs are being made available.

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