Election code comes into force

With the announcement of December 4 as the date for Delhi Assembly election, the model code of conduct has come into force in the city. On Friday, the Delhi Election Commission advised people to avoid carrying cash more than '50,000 to avoid any suspicious transfer of money. However, the commission said action will be intelligence-based and all the concerned agencies have been asked not to harass common citizens. “We have asked banks, income tax and excise departments to keep a tab on money transactions. Any suspicious money transaction for election purpose will be actionable,” said Vijay Dev, chief electoral officer, Delhi. The commission has introduced a new post of awareness observer for every constituency. “The awareness observer will work with general observer and expenditure observer in each constituency. The awareness observer will primarily keep a tab on the facilitation and awareness of the voters,” Mr Dev added. Following the Supreme Court’s order, the commission will introduce the “none of the above” option in the EVMs. Three flying squads will work in each constituency with armed police personnel. The commission will deploy 35,000 Delhi police officers, 11,000 home guards and 82,000 civil workers. The commission has also launched a 24X7 toll-free helpline 1800111400 for voters to complain against any breach of code of conduct. “Any person can complain on this number about any suspicious activity related to elections,” he added. Five printing presses have been seized in raids by election commission in last couple of days for printing posters concealing identity of the printing press and the customer.