Bihar polls: EC deploys 824 flying squads to enforce model code of conduct

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has deployed a total 824 flying squads — comprising a magistrate-level officer, police personnel and a videography team — in poll-bound Bihar to attend to citizens’ and political parties’ complaints regarding model code violations, received via its C-Vigil app , within 100 minutes.

EC had on Monday announced two-phase polls in Bihar, bringing the model code of conduct into immediate effect.

The Commission, in a letter sent to the Bihar chief secretary and chief electoral officer (CEO) soon after poll announcement, directed strict compliance of its instructions regarding removal of defacement from govt, public and private property; misuse of official vehicles or govt accommodation by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with election; and the ban on issuance of advertisements at the cost of public exchequer.

EC cautioned against demonstrations or picketing outside private residences or the use of land, buildings or walls to put up party flags, banners, or posters without the owner’s consent.

Any member of the public or political party can lodge a complaint with the district election officer and returning officer concerned, using the 24x7 call centre number ‘1950’, besides reporting model code violations on C-Vigil app now merged with ECINet.

Political parties were asked by EC to inform police authorities in advance of their meetings and processions to enable traffic and security arrangements, compliance with prohibitory orders and to obtain necessary permissions for loudspeakers or other facilities.

Ministers are now prohibited from combining official duties with electioneering or using govt machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes, EC stated.

Officials at all levels have been directed to act fair in regulating meetings, processions and polling arrangements and ensure equitable use of public grounds and helipads by the parties.

Meanwhile, EC on Wednesday reiterated its norms for facilitating home voting by electors above 85 years of age, persons with disabilities, polling personnel, essential services staff, and service voters, through postal ballot. Such electors need to submit Form 12 D to the returning officer within 5 days of issuance of notification of election or byelection. Polling teams will collect their votes at their homes.