The Election Commission authorities in Goa have established a series of media awards to generate voter awareness for the upcoming State Assembly elections.
The awards will be presented under seven categories — news items, articles, editorials, edit/op-eds, cartoons, photographs and videos — to the winning media houses, “for the best campaign on voters’ education and awareness, and also on ethical voting, from January 5 to January 15, 2017. The awards are instituted to encourage electors to come out and vote,” an official statement issued by Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said on Saturday.
“All local registered daily newspapers in English, Konkani or Marathi, and private sector electronic media in the State, recognised by the Department of Information and Publicity, will be eligible for the awards,” the statement added.
Polling percentage in Goa for the 2012 State Assembly elections was 81.73 per cent, and 77 per cent in the 2012 Parliamentary elections. For the upcoming elections, which are expected to be held in February, the authorities here have kept a target of 77 per cent turnout.
Guidelines for election expenditure
The commission has also issued guidelines regarding the expenditure to be incurred by contesting candidates or political parties during the elections.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s office here on Saturday, as per the Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, the contesting candidates should not exceed the limit of Rs. 20 lakh. If the prescribed limit is crossed, the candidate can be disqualified.
