Full Attention on Election Expenses, Strict Adherence to Model Code of Conduct

Udaipur: Preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections have begun in earnest, with the District Election Department focusing on ensuring a smooth, peaceful, and impartial electoral process. Detailed information on the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for conducting free and fair elections was shared with representatives of political parties during a workshop held at the District Council Hall on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of District Election Officer Arvind Posawal, various department heads provided extensive information to representatives of political parties, urging them to conduct independent and unbiased elections. K.P. Singh, in charge of Election Expenditure Monitoring Cell, informed the aspiring candidates about various aspects of election expenses, including record-keeping for items such as posters, banners, rallies, and media broadcasts, controlling unauthorized expenses, and monitoring candidates with criminal backgrounds. He also emphasized that each candidate's election expenses are capped at a limit of 4 million INR.

Regarding the Model Code of Conduct, Mahamaya Prasad Chaubeesa, State Master Trainer, explained that all political parties must ensure the prompt removal of all types of political campaign material within 72 hours of the issuance of the notification for elections. He highlighted the role of the Flying Squad team, which will actively monitor violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Chaubeesa also mentioned that any complaints related to Model Code of Conduct violations can be filed through the C-Vigil mobile app, and action will be taken as per the directives of the Election Commission.

Providing information on nomination and voting procedures, he said that political parties should promptly engage their booth-level agents and acquaint them with the guidelines. Gaurikant Sharma, Media Cell Head, informed participants that electronic and social media campaign materials must be pre-certified. Suspicious content on the media will be monitored, and candidates will be issued notices as needed. The final decision will be made by the Expenditure Observer regarding the expenses incurred for such violations, which will then be added to the candidate's election expenses.

Representatives from various political parties, including Congress, BJP, BSP, AAP, RLP, monitoring groups, and others, participated in the workshop.