The Pioneer 13.08.2013
Sep 19 declared as municipal election date
the urban local bodies (ULBs) polls last week, the State Election
Commission (SEC) on Monday announced the schedule for the elections to
91 ULBs in the State.
As per the schedule, polling will be held on September 19 and counting
of ballots is scheduled for September 20. While notification for filling
of nomination will be issued on August 16, the candidates can file
their nominations between August 20 and 24. The nominations will be
scrutinised on August 26 and the final list of candidates will be
declared on August 29.
“With the announcement of the dates for the polls, the model code of
conduct came into to force with immediate effect. The State Government
has been barred from announcing new plans and schemes till the election
process is completed. Similarly, the Union Government has also intimated
not to declare any Odisha specific schemes and plans during the
period,” said SEC Ajit Kumar Tripathy, adding that, all relief and
rehabilitation programmes can be continued. However, Tripathy made it
clear that people from jail can contest in the elections.
Besides, Brahmapur Municipal Corporation (BMC), the elections will be
held in 32 Municipalities and 58 Notified Area Councils (NACs). The
tenure of these ULBs will expire on September 30.
As many as 27.56 lakh voters of 1,569 wards will cast their vote in
3,010 booths. While 50 per cent seats were reserved for the women
candidates, 27 per cent seats were reserved for OBCs. Last time,
elections were held in 1,553 wards in these local bodies.
As per the model code of conduct, no contestants belonging to any
political parties can deliver speech which would hurt the religious
sentiments of a particular community. Sticking or hanging posters and
banners mentioning names of aspirants and symbols are restricted on the
walls of schools, colleges and any Government offices. The candidates
might be barred to contest if they resort to violence in order to spread
fear among voters.
No loudspeakers would be allowed for the campaign at night between 8 pm
and 7 am, while the use of similar means of campaigning would be
completely stopped 48 hours before the polls.
The candidates are restricted to criticise their rivals pertaining to
issues on personal lives and holding any meeting or campaign in front
any house and Government office.
No Ministers, MPs and MLAs would spend night at any Government
inspection bungalow and circuit houses during the code of conduct in
force. However, such regulation would not be valid for the leaders
enjoying Z category security.
Tripathy said, “Elections to the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack Municipal
Corporation would be held before December and January respectively
before their tenure expires.”
