State chief electoral officer (CEO), Shashank Shekhar convened a meeting with political parties at his office chamber on October 1.
At the meeting, CEO and his team of officers apprised the members present about the schedule for by-election, protocol to be followed and various other election related activities.
Various measures to be taken for free and fair election, ECI instruction and supreme court directions were also discussed.
CEO informed that with provisions of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have come into force with immediate effect for Tuensang district till the completion of by-election.
They were also briefed about election expenditure monitoring process which included expenditure related to campaigning such as public meetings, public rallies, posters, banners, vehicles, etc., within permissible limit.
It was apprised that failure to lodge account of election expenditure would result in disqualification of candidates as per section 78 of representation of people Act, 1951.
It was also brought to notice of the members that distribution of money, liquor or any other item to the voters to influence or intimidate was an offence under IPC and representation of people act, 1951.
The political parties were apprised on commission’s notification about prescribed timeline for publicity of criminal antecedents of candidates during the period following the last date of withdrawal and up to 48 hours before ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll.
The meeting also discussed guidelines to be followed by political parties, polling parties and candidates due to COVID-19 during the conduct of by-election. Brief highlights of the use of EVM/VVPAT were also shared.