Bhubaneswar: An all-party meeting was held for the upcoming Jharsuguda bypoll, attended by prominent leaders of recognised political parties, chaired by Chief Election Officer Mr. Nikunj Bihari Dhal. The meeting was attended by representatives of NCP, Bahujan Samaj Party, CPI(M), Congress, BJP, and BJD.
The Chief Electoral Officer informed the political parties that all the processes related to the referendum will be completed by May 15th. The process of submission of candidature will begin on April 13th with the publication of the gazette notification, and April 20th is the last day for submission of nomination papers. The nomination papers will be verified by April 21st, while April 24th is the last day for withdrawal of nomination papers. The day of receipt of votes is May 10th, and counting of votes will be on May 13th.
The Chief Electoral Officer stated that the code of conduct has been implemented in Jharsuguda district since the announcement of the referendum. It has been informed that no greedy proposition or financial support can be offered to the voters by the political parties before the referendum. Candidates or political parties cannot campaign using a microphone in the campaign lane from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
During the model code of conduct, no grants of any kind will be made available, and all types of improvement work already in progress will continue.
The Chief Electoral Officer informed that the new project cannot be started, and 100% webcasting will be arranged in all the booths in Jharsuguda constituency. Candidates and star campaigners can campaign by taking permission from the district election officer before they can use the lanes during the election campaign.
The Chief Electoral Officer appealed to the political party workers to cooperate with the officials in charge of conducting the election work for the completion of the referendum in a peaceful manner.
The Chief Electoral Officer stated that candidates with a criminal background should make the public aware of their criminal background at least three times in the media before the election.
The concerned political parties should also make the public aware of the criminal background of their candidates contesting in the election at least three times in the media at scheduled intervals.
