Bhubaneswar: Chief Electoral Officer Shri R. S. Gopalan has advised the representatives of all political parties to strictly follow all the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for the successful conduct of the elections.
A meeting of representatives of all political parties was held today at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer regarding the Nuapada by-election scheduled for 11 November. Chief Electoral Officer Shri R. S. Gopalan presided over the meeting and stated that all necessary arrangements have been made by the office to ensure the current by-election is free, fair, and impartial.
Shri Gopalan further informed that this year, in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines, the number of voters per booth has been limited to 1200.
According to the final voter list for the current by-election, there are a total of 2,53,624 voters, comprising 1,24,108 male voters, 1,29,495 female voters, and 21 third gender voters. The final voter list also includes 9,429 young voters, 3,988 disabled voters, and 1786 senior citizens (above 85 years). 56 new booths have been established for the ongoing by-election.
With the announcement of the election date, the model code of conduct has been implemented. Permission from the Commission is now required before issuing advertisements through electronic, print, social, and web media, including cinema halls, radio, posters, and hoardings.
Additionally, it has been made mandatory to publish the declaration of criminal affiliation of contesting candidates in the print media and to inform the Commission accordingly. Details of expenses of parties and candidates, the list of star campaigners, and proper compliance with the model code of conduct were also discussed during the meeting.
Representatives of various political parties, along with Additional Chief Electoral Officer Shri Sushant Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretaries Shri Pramod Kumar Sahu and Shri Ramachandra Kisku, Joint Secretary Shri Gopinath Kuanar, and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Laxmi Prasad Sahu and Anamika Singh, were notably present in the meeting.