Shahkot Bypoll: EC Issues Prohibition Protocol

Chandigarh, May 25 (PTI) The EC today issued extensive guidelines to the Jalandhar district election officer to ensure prohibition for 48 hours, beginning 5 pm on May 26, till the conclusion of the Shahkot assembly bypoll on May 28.

Giving details, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, S Karuna Raju said the guidelines have been issued in accordance with the provisions enacted in Section 126 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.

The ongoing campaigning for the Shahkot bypolls would end 48 hours prior to the polling date, May 28, he said.

Subsequently, all political leaders, party functionaries or workers, who are not registered voters, will have to vacate the constituency, he said.

Necessary guidelines have been issued to the police and civil administration of Jalandhar to ensure that outsiders, who are not required, leave immediately, he said.

Raju said political parties have been informed on the issue, so that the EC's directive can be strictly enforced.

The commission has also directed the election and police administration to keep a close check on community centres, guest houses and lodges, so that outsiders, if any, can be kept housed without causing any disturbance during the electoral process, the officer said.

Their identity cards would also be checked, he said.

The administration has been asked to ensure all those who have been under security cover could remain in the constituency, in which they are the registered voters, till the poll day, the officer said.

The Election Commission (EC) has also imposed complete prohibition on broadcasting or propagating election-related material on television, radio or newspapers, Raju said.

He said any such material influencing the voters would not be permissible during the 48 hours before the bypoll, he said.

However, any advertisement being published in the newspapers on May 27 and 28, requires prior permission or certification from the EC, Raju said.

The Shahkot assembly bypoll, which was necessitated following the demise of SAD MLA Ajit Singh Kohar, would take place on May 28.PTI VSD ANB

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