DEO Reasi briefs political representatives, media on MCC, ECI guidelines

REASI, AUGUST 20: District Election Officer Reasi Vishesh Mahajan on Tuesday convened a meeting with representatives of political parties to brief them about Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and other applicable guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in view of the upcoming J&K Assembly Elections 2024.

The DEO emphasized the necessity of obtaining prior permissions for election-related activities such as campaigning, rallies, and the use of loudspeakers. He stressed the importance of adhering to the MCC to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. He outlined the responsibilities of political parties and their candidates in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

The DEO further provided detailed information on expenditure monitoring, setting a spending limit of ₹40 lakh for each Assembly Constituency. He thoroughly guided the representatives on obtaining necessary forms, permissions and adhering to the schedules that need to be followed during the election period.

The meeting was attended by SSP Reasi Gaurav Sikarwar, ADDC Sukhdev Singh Samayal, ADC Kulbushan Khajuria, Addl. SP Iftekhar Ahmed, Dy. DEO Rakesh Kumar, RO-56 Gulabgarh, RO-57 Reasi, RO-58 SMVD, DIO (Info) and other concerned officers, along with representatives of political parties.

Later, the DEO Vishesh Mahajan addressed a press conference at the VC hall of the Mini Secretariat to brief the media about the preparations for the upcoming Assembly Elections. He said polling in the District is scheduled to be held on September 25, 2024, the second phase of the elections. He provided key details regarding the election schedule. He informed that the last date for filing nominations is September 5, 2024, while the scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on September 6, 2024 and the deadline for the withdrawal of candidatures is September 9, 2024.

He also appealed the public to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming assembly elections. He briefed the media about various ICT applications of the Election Commission of India, including cVIGIL, SUVIDHA and the voter helpline.