Good adherence to model code of conduct in coast

Mangaluru: Election authorities in Dakshina Kannada district are a relieved lot. Even as the poll campaign is heating up ahead of the April 18 elections and parties are doing everything in their power to woo voters, they are not crossing the ‘Laxman rekha’ of the model code of conduct drawn up by the Election Commission thus far. This explains the relatively fewer complaints that have been received, and even cash and liquor seized has been less this time around.
Attributing this to the sense of awareness on their role in a democracy, among political parties and the electorate, district election officer and deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S said parties are taking their role in this election seriously. Candidates or their representatives attend the regular meetings that the district administration convenes and issues, if any, are discussed threadbare and resolved, he says, adding this is leading to less confusion on the ground.

At the ground level, though the authorities confiscated Rs 28.10 lakh from the date elections were announced till April 8, the entire amount was returned after the people concerned from who it was seized, submitted documents justifying its possession. “Authorities have seized 84,181 litres of liquor valued at Rs 93.92 lakh and seized three 2-wheelers, 3 trucks, 1,907 pamphlets, 3 cars, one truck and one tanker valued at Rs 1.07-crore,” Senthil said.

“While the authorities have registered 461 excise law violation cases, expenditure related FIRs are a mere 3. Out of the 11,631 registered firearms in the district, 11,545 have been turned in as per EC orders, and remaining 86 firearm owners have been given exemption as per norms. The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee has received 10 complaints, examined the matter in 15 pamplets and certified ads for three online websites,” Senthil said.

Even the complaints received on the cVIGIL app of Election Commission or their toll-free number 1950 have been more general in nature–mostly regarding a few banners. The flying squads, static surveillance teams, video surveillance and video viewing teams are on the job round-the-clock, he said, adding the 23 checkposts with compliant parties have ensured that the need for direct intervention authorities has been limited to a bare minimum.