No new developmental activities, except work for drought relief and those related to the rural employment guarantee programme, would be started since the code of conduct of elections has come into force, according to an order issued by District Collector C.A. Latha, who is also the district election officer.
No beneficiaries for welfare schemes will also be chosen when the code of conduct is in force. However, ongoing field-level development activities can be continued.
Hoardings, banners, and other publicity materials can be put up in private property only with the prior written consent of the property-owner. Political parties have been told that election-related publicity would not be allowed in public places. Special squads are being deployed to enforce the code of conduct and detect violations. Nearly 13,000 employees will be required to conduct elections in Kozhikode district. Each booth will be manned by four persons, including the presiding officer. The district will have 1,883 polling stations.
Inspection of polling stations to assess facilities will begin on Friday.
According to Ms. Latha, 92 per cent polling stations in the district have facilities prescribed by the Election Commission.
