Disqualification if code is violated, warns State Election Commission

Vikarabad: The State Election Commission has framed guidelines to disqualify candidates who violate the code of conduct. According to the guidelines, the members may also lose the right to contest in elections for seven years. It may be recalled that the commission disqualified (for seven years) former Sarpanchs, ward members and others for violating the code of conduct in the last election.  The candidates contesting in the first phase elections completed their strategies, whereas the second and third phase candidates are making strategies to win the election. 

The candidates are reaching out to the voters, along with leaders and their followers. It is alleged that the leaders tried to lure voters by offering money and liquor during Assembly elections. Candidates are following various techniques to garner support of the various communities, including luring voters by offering money. The state election commission has issued stern rules to conduct elections in a transparent manner. They took measures required for a peaceful election. The officials are also trying to regulate the acts that try to lure voters. The election commission has directed the district officials to prevent the flow of money in the election. The officials are keeping an eye on the movements of the candidates. 

Sarpanch candidates should spend less than Rs 2.50 lakh in village with population more than 5,000, and they should spend less than Rs 1.50 lakh in village with population less than 5,000. The election commission will take stern action against those candidates who spend more than the allowed money under code of conduct. The candidates should follow the code of conduct right from submitting the nominations till the results are announced. A team of the model code of conduct has been closely observing the candidates. Five vigilance teams have been observing the implementation of the code of conduct in each mandal. Each team consists of four members, including a videographer to record the campaign process. Flying squad teams are also put to observe the expenditure spent by the candidates.  They will submit a report to the higher officials if they found any violations.