Political Career for Indian Youth-Elections-Model Code of Conduct-FAQ1

Political Career for Indian Youth-Elections-Model Code of Conduct-FAQ1

Is it necessary to obtain written permission of the concerned Government authorities or local authorities for setting up of election booth?

Ans. Yes. It is necessary to obtain the written permission of the Government authorities concerned or local authorities before setting up of such booths. Written permission must be available with the persons manning the booth for production before the police /election authorities concerned on demand.

Is there any restriction of canvassing in or near polling station?

Ans. Yes. Canvassing for votes etc. within a distance of one hundred meters of polling station is prohibited on the day of poll. (Refer : Section 130 of Representation of 1951)

Whether the use of mobile phone is allowed in the polling station?

Ans. No. No person is allowed to either carry or use mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless sets etc. in 100 meter perimeter of the polling stations described as the “polling station neighborhood” and within the polling booth. Only Observer/Micro Observer, Presiding Officer and security personnel are allowed to carry mobile phone but they will keep their mobile phones in silent mode.

Is there any restriction of going armed to or near polling station?

Ans. Yes

No person is allowed to go armed with arms as defined in Arms Act 1959 of any kind within the neighborhood of a polling station on the day of poll. (Refer: Section 134B of Representation of 1951)

How many vehicles a candidate is entitled for on the day of poll

Ans. (i) For an election to the House of the People, a candidate will be entitled to:

(a) One vehicle for candidate’s own use in respect of the entire constituency. One vehicle for use of candidate’s selection agent for entire constituency.

(b) In addition, one vehicle for use of candidate’s workers or party workers, as the case may be, in each of the assembly segments comprised in the Parliamentary Constituency.

(ii) For an election to the State Legislative Assembly, a candidate will be entitled to:

(a) One vehicle for candidate’s own use

(b) One vehicle for use of candidate’s election agent
(c) In addition, one vehicle for use of candidate’s workers or party workers.

If the candidate is absent from the constituency on the day of poll, can the vehicle allotted in his name be used by any other person?

Ans. No. Vehicle allotted for candidate’s use is not allowed to be used by any other person.

Can any type of entitled vehicle be used on the day of poll?

Ans. No. The candidate or his agent or party workers or workers will be allowed to use only four/three/two wheeler vehicles i.e. cars (of all types), taxis, auto rickshaws, rickshaws and two wheelers. In these vehicles not more than five persons including drivers are allowed to move on the day of poll.

Whether Political Party/Candidate can make arrangements for transporting voter to and from Polling Station?

Ans. No. Any arrangement, direct or indirect, to carry any voter to or from polling station by any kind of vehicle used for transport is a criminal offence.

(Refer: Sec. 133 of Representation of People Act, 1951)

Whether there are restrictions on plying of Govt./private vehicles on the poll day?

Ans. No. Public transport like buses, minibuses are allowed to ply but it should be ensured that they are not used clandestinely for the conveyance of voters. Further, private cars, taxies carrying passengers to places other than polling booths like hospitals, airports, railway stations, bus stands, friends and relations houses, clubs, and restaurants will be allowed on the road. But they should not be allowed to come clandestinely near the polling areas for the conveyance of voters.

Can a leader of Political party use private fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling and counting process on the day of poll and counting?

Ans. No. Leader of a political party is not allowed to use private fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling and counting process on the day of poll and counting.