PANJIM: With the poll date expected to be announced soon, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) to remove all political advertisements displayed in public spaces, government properties and private lands, once election dates are announced.
The ECI has issued directions asking that immediate action be taken for enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct after announcement of elections to the Legislative Assembly. The State will be going to the polls along with Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“The operation of model code of conduct comes into effect with the announcement of elections by the Commission. In the view of impending general elections in Goa, Commission issues directions for effective implementation of the Code,” the directions state.
The Commission has directed CEO to remove all political hoardings, banners, flags and write-ups on government property within 24 hours, on public spaces in 48 hours and in private land within 72 hours from the day of announcement of election date.
The ECI has also said that there would be complete ban on use of official vehicle by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with elections (political parties) for campaigning or election related travel.
It has also restricted advertisements in print or electronic media, showing the achievements of government soon after the announcement of elections.
The CEO has been directed to set up 24×7 control room along with Complaint Monitoring Centre at the district level. For any complaint people can call on 1950 toll free number.
