MCC takes effect in Erode; 12,000 personnel deployed

With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the Assembly elections coming into effect in the district from Sunday evening, vehicle checks, removal of political party posters, and other preparatory measures began on Monday.

In a release, District Election Officer and Collector S. Kandasamy said all political parties, candidates and members of the public must strictly adhere to the MCC and cooperate in conducting the elections peacefully.

Around 12,000 personnel, including State and Central government officials, police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces, will be deployed across the district for election duties, he said.

The Collector said the Monday grievance redressal meeting at the Collectorate, monthly public contact camps, farmers’ grievance meetings and other grievance meetings would remain suspended until the election process is completed. Members of the public may submit their petitions in the grievance box placed at the Collectorate, which will be forwarded to the concerned officials.

In municipal and town panchayat areas, advertisements, poster pasting and wall writings in public or private places are prohibited. In rural areas, election advertisements may be displayed on private buildings only with the consent of the building or land owner, provided they do not cause inconvenience to the public.

Political parties intending to hold public meetings, rallies or use campaign vehicles must obtain prior permission from the election authorities. Applications must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance through the Suvidha portal of the Election Commission of India at https://suvidha.eci.gov.in or through the ECINET/Suvidha mobile application.

Mr. Kandasamy also directed all licensed firearm holders in the district to deposit their weapons at the respective police stations within their jurisdiction. Applications for inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral roll will be received and scrutinised until 10 days before the last date for filing nominations, after which the final roll will be published.