The Model Code of Conduct has been enforced in Uttarakhand for the upcoming municipal elections. Under the code, the use of loudspeakers and soundboxes is strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, all election campaigns require prior permission from the respective District Magistrate (DM). Campaigning will cease completely 48 hours before the conclusion of voting.
Code of Conduct Guidelines
The State Election Commission has outlined stringent rules for election campaigns:
- Election materials such as posters and banners can only be displayed with the explicit consent of the property owner.
- Advertisements, posters, or wall writings on government or public properties are strictly prohibited. Violations will result in action under the Uttarakhand Public Property Defacement Act, 2003.
- Loudspeakers and soundboxes can only be used with prior permission, and their volume must remain within permissible limits. They cannot be permanently installed in any location.
Organizing roadshows requires approval from competent authorities. Roadshows must avoid causing disruptions near major hospitals, crowded markets, and public transportation routes. Furthermore, government ministers are allowed to enter polling stations only as voters.
These stringent measures aim to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections across the state.
