With the Model Code of Conduct in force in Punjab for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C advised citizens on Friday not to carry cash more than Rs. 50,000 without supporting documents, such as bank withdrawal receipts and receipt books for traders, while travelling in the state.
During a second Facebook live session, ‘Talk to your CEO Punjab’, Sibin C addressed various queries from voters and urged them to report any violations through the C-vigil app, the 1950 toll-free number and the National Grievance Service Portal (NGSP) of the ECI to ensure smooth and fair elections.
Replying to a query on carrying mobiles to polling booths, the CEO said that the Election Commission of India explicitly prohibits voters from carrying mobile phones and other communication gadgets inside polling booths on election days.
On another question about publicity by political parties, the CEO said that flex boards and hoardings can only be placed at designated locations after seeking permission from the DEOs or the CEO’s office till the MCC is in force.
The Chief Electoral Officer further said that no political party or candidate can seek votes based on religion, as this is a clear violation of the MCC. He urged people to report such violations immediately via the C-vigil app, assuring that the CEO’s office will take action against violators within 100 minutes.
A resident also thanked the CEO for deploying female staff on polling duty near their residences. The CEO said that, following the directions of the ECI, special attention has been given this time to appoint female staff at the nearest polling booths.
In response to a query regarding whether government employees can canvass for any political party or leader, the CEO unequivocally said that no government employee can campaign for political parties. Stern action will be initiated, including lodging an FIR against violators.
Amid rising temperatures, Sibin C said various initiatives have been taken to increase voter turnout and provide relief at polling stations from the heatwave. He said that each polling station will have water coolers, fans, seating arrangements and sheds to provide relief to voters from the heat.
The CEO informed that there are a total of 2.14 crore registered voters, including 1.89 lakh voters aged 85+, 1,614 NRIs, 1.58 lakh PWD and 5.38 lakh first-time voters, who will cast their votes at 24,451 polling stations across the state on June 1.
