Candidates, who have criminal cases pending against them, should publicise details of the same in newspapers and television channels before the polling date, besides mentioning the same in their affidavits, said S. Sivarasu, Collector, Tiruchi and District Electoral Officer, here on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, he said that the Election Commission had made this clear. It was mandatory for the candidates, if they had cases, to release advertisement in newspapers and television channels. It should be carried at least thrice between the date of filing of nomination and polling date. This had been communicated to all political parties, he said.

Mr. Sivarasu said that no political party or candidate would be allowed to write on public or private walls both in urban and rural areas. The rule which was enforced in urban areas till now, has been extended to rural areas. Wall writing on private properties, with the permission of the owners, were allowed in rural areas previously. All graffiti public and private walls, should be defaced within Wednesday. Otherwise, the election officials would whitewash them and the expenses incurred would be included in the expenditure of the candidates of parties concerned.

Twenty seven flying squads have been formed in Tiruchi Parliamentary constituency to monitor enforcement of the model code of conduct. Similarly, 27 static surveillance teams would be stationed at specific places to monitor the campaign of candidates and movement of vehicles on round the clock basis. Nine check posts have been formed to carry out vehicle check up. There was no bar to carry up to Rs.50,000. If the people carried more than the stipulated amount, they should possess valid documents. If they failed to possess the documents, the money would be seized.

Mr. Sivarasu said that there were 2,533 polling booths in nine Assembly segments of the district. Of them, 153 booths had been identified as sensitive. These booths would have micro observers. In addition to this, entire proceedings would be web cast and video recorded. As many as 37,740 new applications had been received for inclusion in the voters' list.