SEC tightens model code enforcement, seizes over 1 million illegal hoardings, 72kg narcotics

With the finalisation of the list of 1,349 candidates contesting the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, the state election commission (SEC) has initiated the next crucial phase of the electoral process, which includes training of polling personnel, printing of ballot papers and further tightening the enforcement of model code of conduct, which came into force on November 7

With the finalisation of the list of 1,349 candidates contesting the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, the state election commission (SEC) has initiated the next crucial phase of the electoral process, which includes training of polling personnel, printing of ballot papers and further tightening the enforcement of model code of conduct, which came into force on November 7.

A political banner is removed after the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. (Representative Image/PTI)

Enforcement teams have so far removed 1,067,424 illegal banners, posters and hoardings while security personnel have seized 72kg of narcotics and drugs along with 96,085 illegal liquor bottles, SEC has said.

“Taking the process forward, we will now lay emphasis on providing training to poll personnel. We have started the first round of training of polling parities, which will last till November 24, while the second and third rounds of training will be conducted between November 28 and December. The training sessions are being conducted by the master trainers already deployed with all returning officers,” said an SEC official on Tuesday.

The polling for the civic polls will be held on December 4 and as many as 1 lakh government employees will help in conducting the civic polls. The preparation of 55,000 electronic voting machines (EVM) will be conducted between November 25 and 27.

SEC has also started the printing process for ballot papers at the government printing presses at Minto Rad and Mayapuri. “After finalisation of form-7, which is the list of contesting candidates, the printing of ballot papers is being done. We have started distributing EVMs to the concerned returning officers who will arrange for their safe and secure storage in designated strong rooms. We will complete the distribution of EVMs by Wednesday,” the official said. The commission has set up 42 strong rooms across Delhi.

Model code of conduct violations

SEC has said the enforcement authorities have seized 72kg of narcotics and drugs as on November 20. “At least 2,738 pieces of illegal liquor were seized on Monday, which has taken the overall seizure figure to 96,085 bottles of illegal liquor,” the official said. The 24 enforcement teams deployed by MCD removed 33,076 illegal banners, posters and hoardings on Tuesday, mostly from the south, west and Najafagarh zone.

SEC has launched a helpline number, 011-23999999, where people can complain about use of loudspeakers for campaigning between 10pm and 6am. “As many as 6,731 applications seeking permission for holding rallies by contesting candidates and use of vehicles and loudspeaker have been disposed of by the commission through the online single window system portal,” the official said.