With the announcement of February 4 as the date for State Legislative Assembly elections in Goa, the model code of conduct has come into force.
On Wednesday, Goa Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said that guidelines have been issued to all government departments, asking them not to undertake any major work without gaining clearance from the State’s poll authorities. The guidelines have also instructed departments to clear all posters and banners put up by political parties in private and public spaces within 72 hours.
Mr. Kunal said that flying squads have been formed to ensure the guidelines are implemented. He added that vendors of liquor and consumer goods will be asked to keep an inventory of goods sold to ensure they are not used to lure voters.
“Sellers of consumer items like televison, mobile phones, micro-wave ovens, and bikes have been asked to keep their records ready for inspection. We will examine if there is a sudden jump in sales during this period,” he said, adding, “State Excise department has been asked to keep checks on bars to ensure that liquor is not distributed on basis of chits given by candidates.”
Mr. Kunal said the use of official venues for campaigning, and releasing advertisements at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements of the government, have been banned. He added that the last date for filing nomination of candidates is January 18, last date of withdrawal of nomination is January 21, and the counting of votes will take place on March 11. The date for formal notification of polls in the State is January 11.
