Indian General Elections 2009-Special Section


FAQS ON ELECTION PROCESS

ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Q. 1. Whether there is any restriction for plying of vehicles for electioneering purposes?

Ans. No. You can ply any number of vehicles (all mechanized/motorized vehicles including 2 wheelers) for the purpose but you have to seek prior approval of the Returning Officer for plying such vehicles and must display permit issued by Returning Officer in original (not photocopy) prominently on the windscreen of the Vehicle. The permit must bear the number of the vehicle and name of the candidate in whose favour it is issued. The expenditure incurred on this will be booked against you.

Q.2 Can a vehicle be used for electioneering purposes without getting permit from the District Election Officer/Returning Officer?

Ans. No. Such vehicle shall be deemed to be unauthorized by campaigning for the candidate and may attract penal provisions of Chapter IX A of the Indian Penal Code and shall therefore be immediately out of the campaigning exercise.

Q. 3. Is there any restriction for displaying/carrying poster/ placard/ banner/flag of the concerned party or of the candidate on the vehicle during the procession?

Ans. You may display /carry one poster/placard/banner/flag of your party/or your own on vehicle during the procession.

Q. 4. Is external fitting/modification allowed in the Vehicles used for campaigning?

Ans. External modification of vehicles including fitting of Loudspeaker thereon, would be subject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act/Rules and any other Local Act/Rules. Vehicles with modifications and special campaign vehicles like Video Rath etc., can be used only after obtaining the requisite permission from the competent authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Q. 5. Are there conditions/guidelines for setting up and operating of Temporary Offices by Party or candidate?

Ans. Yes. Such offices can not be opened by way of any encroachment either on public or private property/ in any religious places or campus of such religious places/ contiguous to any educational institution / hospital / within 200 meters of an existing polling station. Further, such offices can display only one party flag and banner with party symbol/photographs and the size of the banner used in such offices should not exceed ‘4 feet X 8 feet’ subject to the further condition that if the local laws prescribe a lower size for banner / hoarding etc., then the lower size prescribed by local law shall prevail.

Q. 6. What is the deadline after which no public meetings and processions can be taken out?

Ans. You can not hold public meetings and processions during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. Suppose, poll day is 12th June 2009 (Friday) and hours of poll are from 8.00A.M to 5.00 P.M., the public meetings and processions shall be closed at 5.00 P.M on the 10th June 2009 (Wednesday).

Q. 7. Is there any restriction on the presence of political functionaries in a constituency after campaign period is over?

Ans. Yes. After the closure of campaign period(mentioned in answer to Q.6 above), presence of political functionaries etc. who have been brought from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency should not continue to remain present in the constituency. Such functionaries should leave the constituency immediately after campaign period is over.

Q. 8. Is such restriction applicable in the case of office bearer who is in-charge of election of a political party in the State?

Ans. Yes. However, such restriction is not insisted upon during the general elections to Lok Sabha/State Assembly only in respect of the office bearer who is in-charge of the State during the election period. Such office bearer shall declare his place of stay in the State Headquarters and his movement during the period in question shall remain confined normally between his party office and place of his stay. The above restrictions will be applicable to all other functionaries in all elections.

Q. 9. Are there any arrangements for videography of critical events during the election process?

Ans. Yes. Video Teams are formed in constituency to record and videotape critical events like meetings addressed/attended by Ministers, National/State level leaders of political parties, violent incidents, etc.

Q.10. Is wearing of special accessories like cap, mask, scarf etc. permitted during the campaigning?

Ans. Yes. However supply and distribution of main apparels like saree, shirt, etc. by party/candidate is not permitted as it may amount to bribary of voters.


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