Our Special Correspondent
TURA:
The briefing of political parties, candidates and election agents by the Central Expenditure Observer was held at DRDA Conference Hall, Tura on February 11. The expenditure observers gave detailed information about various expenditures and its maintenance as per ECI mandate.
A special two-hour interactive session was also facilitated in Garo, English and Hindi where representatives and agents of all contesting political parties present highlighted their doubts which was clarified made by the observers of West Garo Hills. Special thrust was also given to follow the guidelines of the ECI to maintain regular accounts of expenses incurred. The expenditure observers also encouraged voters to use the Voters Helpline no- 1950 and cVigil app for any immediate reports and concern in their respective constituencies.
DEO meet in Williamnagar:
The District Election Officer (DEO), East Garo Hills, Jagdish Chelani, convened a meeting with political parties and candidates in the presence of the General Observer, MK Abdul Haque and the Expenditure Observer, T Ramalingam, Returning Officers and others at the Multipurpose Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Williamnagar, on Saturday.
While highlighting the 30 points agenda meeting, the DEO stressed on the need to adhere to the guidelines of the Election Commission and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and sought the cooperation of the political parties and the contesting candidates so that the elections can be conducted peacefully and democratically. He also highlighted the do’s and don’ts of the use of vehicles and the helicopters by the contesting candidates and the star campaigners during electioneering. Further, the DEO also informed that the use of postal ballot for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) will start from February 17.
The General Observer informed the political parties and the contesting candidates that the contact numbers of all election observers appointed for East Garo Hills have already been published so that election related complaints can easily be lodged. He also urged the political parties and the contesting candidates to adhere to the guidelines of the ECI.
Ramalingam, while highlighting the importance of shadow observation register, urged the contesting candidates and the political parties to maintain bank accounts and to submit the final expenditure report within 30 days of declaring the election results. He also urged the political parties and the contesting candidates to use cVIGIL app.