PANJIM: With the poll guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) becoming effective, over 600 banners and posters have already been removed by the authorities from various places in the State.
Political parties said they have also started the process of removing the banners and posters and start the fresh process to display new posters abiding by the rules by the commission.
The parties have welcomed the decision and the guidelines of Election Commission of India stating that it is for a free and fair election process.
The Chief Electoral Office said that 3380 banners and posters have been identified at public places of which 636 were removed on Thursday. A total of 402 banners and posters have been identified in private property but have not yet been removed.
“Goa is largely following the code of conduct in view of free and fair elections. In certain areas Police, Returning Officer, PWD and related agencies have been instructed to ensure there is no violation of code of conduct,” CEO Kunal said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legal cell in charge Atmaram Barve said that after studying the guidelines instructions will be issued to candidates and workers by Friday.
He said the party has already started removing banners and posters which were displayed prior to the code of conduct coming into force.
The maximum numbers of posters were displayed by AAP in Goa. AAP State convener Valmiki Naik said the posters have already been removed by party workers. “All candidates and workers have been briefed about the guidelines. We are happy to abide by the rules and conditions,” Naik said.
The ECI, under the Defacement Act, has restricted wall writing, pasting of posters/papers or defacement in any other forms, or erecting/displaying of cutouts, hoardings, banners flags etc on government premises.
Putting up banners and posters in private property must have permission of the Electoral Officer.
The Commission has also issued guidelines to hold road shows, bike rallies etc. As per guidelines there is also a restriction on size of campaign banners. All permissions will be given only by the CEO after all conditions are met, CEO said.
CEO has also imposed a ban on wearing of saree and shirt supplied by party or candidate for election campaign but has allowed other accessories like wearing of cap, mask and scarf.
ECI has also imposed a ban on using grounds and premises of government, aided and private educational institutes for political campaigns and rallies.
