Lok Sabha Polls: Nagaland prepares for conduct of free and fair election

Kohima, March 19 (MExN): In view of the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha General Election 2024, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO), Kohima held a meeting with representatives of political parties under Kohima district with regard to Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Election Expenditure Monitoring and IT related Apps (SUVIDHA & cVIGIL) at NIC conference hall, DC office Kohima on March 18.

ADC Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori, NCS chairing the meeting informed the representatives of the political parties that there will be no shortcuts in regard to election matters and urged them to follow and observe all necessary norms and MCC as envisaged by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the conduct of free and fair election.

SDO Hq Kohima and Nodal Officer, MCC, James Renbi and Assistant Election Officer, Kohima, Olivi Thurr explained the details about MCC, Election Expenditure Monitoring, Media Certification and defacement of flex, posters and other political advertisements.

District Informatics Officer, JG Lorin gave detailed information about the usage of SUVIDHA Apps (Apps for online Nomination and Permission) and also requested the concerned to apply any required documents at least two days ahead (48 Hrs) and in PDF format only. 

Sr Programme Officer, IT department, Samuel highlighted the detailed information about the usage of cVIGIL Apps (Apps for online certification and complaints).

Mokokchung: DC and DEO Mokokchung Thsuvisie Phoji has issued directives to all concerned that MCC has been enforced in the district consequent upon announcement of the 18th Lok Sabha Election 2024 by ECI. 

It informed all government officials, political parties, contestant candidates to strictly adhere to the MCC issued by ECI. Any violation will be dealt with according to the relevant laws and regulations.

Prohibition of Political activities: All political activities, including rallies, public meetings and processions must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the MCC. Any political gathering must obtain necessary permissions from the appropriate authorities.

Use of Government Resources: Strictly prohibit the use of government machinery, resources and facilities for campaigning or any other political purpose by any political party or candidate. This includes vehicles, premises, personnel and any other government assets.

Maintaining Peace and Order: Maintain law and order throughout the district to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Any incidents of violence, intimidation, or coercion must be dealt with promptly and impartially by the law enforcement agencies.

All concerned departments and officials have been instructed to implement these directives diligently and ensure full compliance with the MCC for the 18th Lok Sabha Election under Mokokchung district. 

The DC & DEO Mokokchung has also notified to all the printing press in and around Mokokchung district to follow the guidelines regarding printing of Election Posters, Pamphlets etc.

He has directed all printing press to clearly indicate the materials (election posters, pamphlets, etc) the names and addresses of the printers and publishers of any such materials printed by the press.

The printing press shall furnish four copies of the printed materials along with the declaration of the publishers attached within three-days of the printing thereof to the office of the DC & DEO.

The printing press shall also furnish the information regarding number of copies of the documents printed and the price charged for such printing job, not collectively but separately in respect of each election pamphlets, posters etc. printing by him within 3 days of the printing of each such documents.

All printing press under the district have been asked to comply with the instructions/guidelines, failing which action will be taken as per the relevant law of the state.

In another order, the DC & DEO also directed all the government employees posted under Mokokchung District to be in station with immediate effect.

The DC also stated that all heads of the offices should ensure their presence and also their subordinate officers and staffs in their respective place of posting. Permission for station leave on official duty shall be obtained from the DC with clear and specific details of such duty. 

Any government employee on leave of absence on medical ground shall be recalled for appearing in person before the medical board. “Disciplinary action shall be initiated against any errant officials as per section 134 of the RP act 1951,” it stated. 

Meanwhile, a meeting of District Level Standing Committee was convened on March 18 at Conference Hall, DC’s Office, Mokokchung regarding preparation for the election.

Stressing the importance of conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election, DC & DEO Mokokchung urged all political party leaders to uphold a positive image and set an example for their members. He encouraged collaboration among districts and adherence to election decorum in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines.

Assistant Election Officer Mokokchung, Renben Mozhui, underscored the significance of combating child labor during the election period, emphasising the need to raise awareness among party workers.

Assistant Commissioner Ajit Kumar, IAS, delivered a concise overview of MCC during the election period, urging against religious and communal tensions and emphasising the avoidance of bribery and intimidation.

A presentation on the cVIGIL App: a mobile application developed by ECI for reporting violations of MCC during elections was also conducted. Users can report violations by selecting the type of violation, providing incident details, and submitting relevant media.

The new Superintendent of Police to Mokokchung district, Vesupra Kezo reiterated the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and emphasised the necessity of a peaceful election. He cautioned against misuse of social media and its potential adverse effects.

Peren: DC & DEO Peren, Vineet Kumar convened a meeting with various Nodal Officers who were assigned with various tasks for the upcoming electioneering process on March 18.

In the meeting, Kumar has stressed on the on-going preparation plans and strategies from the various Nodal Officers for the successful conduct of the upcoming Election. He reviewed other preparation plans including that of manpower status, transport plans, training management, Postal Ballot management, EVMs management, Media management, etc.

The DC and DEO Peren in another order stated that with the announcement of election by the ECI, MCC comes into force with immediate effect in the district with the following detectives to be implements throughout Peren district. 

All government officials, political parties, contesting candidates are required to strictly adhere to the MCC issued by the ECI, it reiterated. Any violation will be dealt with according to the relevant laws and regulations, it stated. 

All political activities, including rallies, public meeting, and procession, must adhere to the guidelines outline in the MCC. Any political gathering must obtain necessary permission from the appropriate authorities. Use of Government’s machinery, resources and facilities for election campaigning or for any other political purpose by any political party or candidate. This includes vehicles, premises, personnel, and any other government assets. Maintain law and order throughout the district to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Any incidents of violence, intimidation, or coercion must be dealt with promptly and impartially by the law enforcement agencies. The DC Peren has also given instructions to all the departments and officials to strictly implement these directives diligently and ensure full compliance with MCC for 28th Lok Sabha Elections in Peren district.