Team Herald
PANJIM: Pursuant to the recent guidelines and restrictions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the District Magistrates (DMs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) of Goa have issued fresh guidelines regarding political campaigning presently underway in the State.
The DEOs have pointed out that ECI has extended the ban on physical rallies and road shows until January 31, 2022.
The District Magistrates further referred to the prevailing Election Code of Conduct in the State and the other restrictions that have been imposed under the Disaster Management Act to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Now therefore, I Ruchika Katyal, IAS, District Magistrate South Goa in exercise of powers vested in me under Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 do hereby direct that the following activities/events shall be restricted till further orders,” reads the order.
The first restriction is that no road shows, padyatra/cycle/bike/vehicle rally and procession shall be allowed until January 31, 2022.
Then no physical rallies of political candidates (including probable) or any other group related to elections shall be allowed until January 31, 2022.
Furthermore, public gatherings in case of indoor halls/ auditoriums/ community halls/ etc, shall be restricted to 50% of the seating/venue capacity or 300, whichever is less.
Political parties, candidates, their party workers, have been directed to ensure the compliance of COVID appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections.
Moreover, no campaigning is allowed between 8 pm and 8 am.
Whereas, door-to-door campaigning shall be allowed for a maximum of 10 persons including candidates (excluding security personnel).
“All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Board Guidelines for Conduct of Election 2022, issued on January 8 and January 15, 2022 shall continue and if the candidate or political party violates any of the above guidelines, no further permission shall be given to the concerned candidate/party for rallies meetings etc,” said the order.
“The returning officers/assistant returning officers, flying squads, sector magistrates/officers, police or any other authorised officers/officials shall act immediately in case any violation comes to their notice or reported to them and initiate necessary action against the violator by filing FIRs under appropriate sections before the respective police station,” the order adds.
The order has come into force with immediate effect and failure to comply with this order shall be liable for penal action and Section 188 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other provisions of laws in force.
This order dated January 23, which will be in force till January 31, 2022, shall supersede the earlier orders issued by this office on January 15 and January 22.
