The general observers of the ensuing Assembly elections in Meghalaya held a meeting with the candidates contesting from various Assembly constituencies under West Garo Hills District at DRDA Conference Hall, West Garo Hills in Tura on Monday evening.
During the meeting, general observer, Dr Nidhi Pandey updated the candidates and their election agents about the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
The general observer also briefed about the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, Model Code of Conduct and other poll related matters.
Taking a cue from the Election Commission show cause notice to Congress candidate from South Tura, Grithalson Arengh, for holding a campaign meeting without permission and giving an inflammatory speech to incite communal anger, Dr Pandey requested the candidates to avoid making statements which would create disharmony between different sections of society on ground of religion, caste, creed, community, etc.
The general observer also briefed about the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, Model Code of Conduct and other poll related matters.
Dr Pandey also laid stress on the use of single window system for candidates and political parties to apply for meeting, rallies, vehicles, etc, and to take advantage of the public grievance redressal system for receiving complaints.
The general observer also informed the representatives of the meeting about the relocation of ten polling stations under West Garo Hills District which has been approved by the ECI under 44-Raksamgre (ST), 45-Tikrikilla (ST), 46-Phulbari (GEN), 48-Selsella (ST) and Rangsakona (ST) Assembly constituencies.
The Sub Divisional Officer, Dadenggre Civil sub division, Swapnil Tembe, presented a power point presentation on monitoring of Election Expenditure and other major legal provisions.