Criticism should be limited to policies, programme, past record and work of political parties and candidates –Haryana CEO
No Appeals can be made based on caste or communal sentiments
Compliance with Do's and Don'ts during Election Campaigning Is Essential
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 18, 2024 – The Election Commission of India has issued detailed guidelines outlining what political parties and candidates can and cannot do during the campaign for the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024.
These guidelines must be followed until the election process is complete.
Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, emphasized that all parties and candidates must be given equal access to public spaces such as grounds and helipads.Criticism during the election should only target the policies, programs, track records, and work of political parties and candidates.
Local police authorities must be informed of any meetings, and proper permissions for the time and location of such meetings should be obtained well in advance.
Agarwal added that any restrictive or prohibitory orders in place at the proposed meeting venue must be respected. Likewise, permission must be obtained for the use of loudspeakers or any other facilities at these meetings. Police assistance should be sought to manage individuals causing disruption or disorder during gatherings.
He also stated that the timing, route, and location of any election procession should be finalized in advance with permission from the relevant police authorities. It is mentioned that the procession must be without hindrance to traffic.
Cooperate with Election Officials to ensure peaceful and orderly poll
The Chief Electoral Officer urged political parties and candidates to cooperate with election officials to ensure peaceful and orderly voting. All political workers must wear badges or identification cards, and unofficial identity slips issued to voters should be printed on plain white paper without the party name, symbol, or candidate’s name.
Apart from this, restrictions on vehicle movement during the campaign period and on election day must be strictly followed.
Any complaints or issues related to the conduct of the election should be reported to the Election Commission's observers, the Returning Officer, the Zonal/Sector Magistrates, the Chief Electoral Officer, or the Election Commission of India.
Agarwal stressed that all orders and guidelines issued by the Election Commission, Returning Officers, or District Election Officers concerning various aspects of the election must be strictly adhered to.
After the campaign period ends, any person who is not a voter, candidate, or election agent must leave the electoral constituency.
No Appeals can be made based on caste or communal sentiments
. Agarwal said that no official work should be linked to election campaigns or activities, and no financial or other inducements should be offered to voters. No appeals should be made based on caste or communal sentiments.
Additionally, no activities should be conducted that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension among various castes, communities, religious, or linguistic groups.
Religious places cannot be used for election campaigns
Agarwal further noted that religious places like temples, mosques, churches, or gurudwaras cannot be used for election propaganda, including speeches, posters, or music related to elections.
Moreover, public meetings or processions organized by other political parties or candidates should not be disrupted.
Posters put up by other political parties or candidates should not be removed or defaced. The Chief Electoral Officer further clarified that loudspeakers on vehicles should not be used between 10 PM and 6 AM.