Thiruvananthapuram: The state election commission has issued directions to candidates not to engage in distribution of government-related benefits to people.
The direction was issued based on complaints that candidates distributed welfare pension, thus influencing voters. The commission also assessed that candidates who are Asha workers shall not distribute medicines.
The commission directed departments concerned to arrange alternative arrangements for the same. Returning officers will communicate the direction to candidates. It was brought to the notice of commission that the candidates who were local body members between 2015-20 had distributed welfare pension in a bid to influence voters.
Meanwhile, webcasting facility will be introduced in 1,850 sensitive booths in the state. Kannur with 785 has the highest number of sensitive booths and Pathanamthitta has the lowest at 5. Videography will be conducted in sensitive booths identified by polling officials and police.